Mint Julep – Leites Culinaria

Mint Juleps need to be let out of the stable more often. Your favorite bourbon, sugar, mint and plenty 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 summertime drink, particularly associated with the Kentucky Derby. But the brightness of the mint with the warmth of the bourbon is just as appropriate in fall and winter. The preferred serving vessel is the traditional pewter or silver julep cup, but a double old-fashioned glass is a good substitute.

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

HOW DO YOU MUDDEL A DRINK?

The biggest thing to remember is that messing up doesn’t involve ripping. You want to release the oils and not prepare your mint for compost. Hold the pestle (or wooden spoon) in your dominant hand and the glass in your other hand. Apply gentle pressure and slowly rotate your wrist, repeat 2 or 3 times. That’s it.

Mint julep

Mint Juleps need to be let out of the stable more often. Your favorite bourbon, sugar, mint and plenty of crushed ice make this cocktail suitable even on non-derby weekends.

• Use a pestle to crush the mint leaves and sugar at the bottom of a silver julep mug or tall glass. Add the water and stir until the sugar has dissolved. (Superfine sugar dissolves the fastest, granulated sugar may require a little more stirring and patience, and turbinado sugar can result in a nice caramel flavor, but with a few undissolved crystals.)
• Fill the cup or glass with ice. Pour the bourbon over the ice, but do not stir. Serve with a silver julep spoon when you want to go all out. If you’re not that big on looks, a straw will suffice.

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

If you make this recipe, take a picture and tag it with a hashtag #LeitesCulinaria. We would love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook and others Twitter.

If you make this recipe, take a picture and tag it with a hashtag #LeitesCulinaria. We would love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook and others Twitter.