Mint Julep

https://vinepair.com/

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 ounces of J.W. Kelly Old Milford Bourbon Whiskey;

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup;

• 4 to 5 mint sprigs, leaves only (with extra whole sprig for garnish);

• Crushed ice. (or pebble ice)

PREPARATION:

1. Place mint leaves and simple syrup into a julep cup, Collins glass, or double-old fashioned glass.

2. Muddle to dissolve the sugar and release the oil and aroma of the mint (not a hard muddle, don’t tear the leaves).

3. Add bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir well until the glass is frosty.

4. Gently slap the mint sprig with your hands to release the aromatic oils of the mint.

5. Garnish with mint and serve immediately.

TIPS

• Gently muddle your mint. The intention is to release the essential oils, not tear the leaves to bits.

• Making crushed ice without a machine is another use for your muddler: Place ice cubes in a Lewis bag (a cloth bag made specifically for this purpose) or wrap it in a towel and whack it until your cubes become finely crushed ice. (This is a wonderful and safe stress reliever, too.)

• Once you build the drink, take the time to stir it gently until the glass gets frosty. This should take at least 30 seconds, but the longer you do it, the better.

Courtesy of theSpruceEats.com