Mint Julep – Leite’s Culinaria

Mint juleps need to be let out of the barn more often. Your favorite bourbon, sugar, mint, and lots of crushed ice make this cocktail suitable even on non-Derby weekends.

Adapted from Anne Stiles Quatrano | Summerland | Rizzoli, 2013

Many people think of the mint julep as a spring or summer drink, associated in particular with the Kentucky Derby. But the brightness of the mint with the warmth of the bourbon is just as appropriate in the fall and winter. The preferred serving vessel is the traditional pewter or silver mint julep cup, but a double old-fashioned glass is a good substitute.

We grow julep mint, a variety developed just for this iconic Southern cocktail, in the herb garden; it’s fragrant, delicious, easy to grow, and thrives in the Georgia climate. You can certainly use fresh mint from the farmers’ market, but mint is a great plant to grow at home, even for the beginning gardener. It’s almost impossible to kill!–Anne Stiles Quatrano

HOW DO YOU MUDDLE A DRINK?

The biggest thing to remember here is that muddling doesn’t involve tearing. You want to release the oils, not prepare your mint for the compost. Hold the muddler (or wooden spoon) in your dominant hand and the glass in your other hand. Gently apply pressure and slowly twist your wrist, repeat 2 or 3 times. That’s it.

Mint Julep

Mint juleps need to be let out of the barn more often. Your favorite bourbon, sugar, mint, and lots of crushed ice make this cocktail suitable even on non-Derby weekends.

• Use a muddler to crush the mint leaves and sugar together in the bottom of a silver julep cup or tall glass. Add the water and stir until the sugar dissolves. (Superfine sugar will dissolve the quickest, granulated sugar may take a little extra stirring and patience, and turbinado sugar may result in a lovely caramel flavor but with a few undissolved crystals.)
• Mound the cup or glass with ice. Pour the bourbon over the ice, but do not stir. Serve with a silver julep spoon if you want to be all fancy. If you’re not so into appearances, a straw will do the trick just fine.

Serving: 1drinkCalories: 210kcal (11%)Carbohydrates: 12g (4%)Protein: 1g (2%)Sodium: 2mgPotassium: 3mgFiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 12g (13%)Vitamin A: 13IUVitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 2mgIron: 1mg (6%)

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We’d love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We’d love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.