Mint Julep The Real Thing Recipes

THE PERFECT MINT JULEP

Steps:

• To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.
• To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of distilled water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
• To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.
• Now begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it's right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to "marry" the flavors.
• To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with shaved ice. Insert a spring of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
• When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately.

MINT JULEP - THE REAL THING

Steps:

• Mix the sugar & water in a saucepan. Boil, while stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat & let cool for 15 minutes.
• Bruise 6 mint leaves to release the oil. Place them in a glass pitcher or jar.
• Pour cooled syrup over mint, cap tightly & store in the refrigerator overnight.
• When ready to partake, strain syrup to remove leaves.
• Into your cocktail shaker add bourbon, mint syrup & 1/2 cup ice.
• Shake, shake, shake your julep.
• Pour mixture into a small glass or julep cup.
• Top with a fresh mint leaf.
• Serve with a short straw.

CLASSIC BOURBON MINT JULEP

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Place the mint leaves and sugar or simple syrup into a julep cup, collins glass, or double old-fashioned glass.
• Muddle well to dissolve the sugar and release the oil and aroma of the mint.
• Add the bourbon.
• Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well until the glass becomes frosty.
• Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw and enjoy.

MINT JULEPS

Steps:

• Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves
• Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw. Trim straws to just barely protrude from the top of the cups. Serve juleps on a silver platter.

MINT JULEP

Steps:

• Stir together sugar and water in a mint julep cup (or 8-ounce glass) until sugar dissolves. Add mint, and muddle gently using a muddler or a wooden spoon. Fill with crushed ice, and add bourbon. Stir until outside of cup is frosted. Garnish with mint sprigs.