04 May Derby Day Cocktail Recipe: Mint Julep

Derby Day Cocktail Recipe: Mint Julep

This week, we’ve already covered the fact that it’s Mother’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo. It seems it’s also Kentucky Derby week. How do we not get a day off? Don’t three minors equal a major? We might be working during the day, but there are plenty of great classic cocktails to divert us in the evening.

The mint julep is, of course, the most famous of Derby cocktails, as well as being one of the most classic of all classics, being famous for its deliciousness and its spectacle all the way back to the times of Professor Jerry Thomas, the first celebrity bartender.

So, this Saturday, put on your biggest hat, sip  this cocktail, and cheer for two minutes–but take a few more minutes than that to sip the cocktail; it’s kind of a stiff one.

Photo cred: Pix 11

Derby Day Cocktail Recipe

for a crowd

serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Bourbon
• 2 cups mint leaves
• 2 oz simple syrup
• 12 to 18 mint sprigs
• 6 lemon twists

Instructions

• Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup on the bottom of a pitcher.
• Add the Bourbon and stir.
• Fill six old fashioned (or fancy julep) glasses with ice.
• Pour Bourbon mixture into glasses
• Garnish with lemon twist and mint sprig.

For one drink

Ingredients

• 4 oz Bourbon
• 1 tsp simple syrup
• 12 to 14 mint leaves
• 2 to 3 mint sprigs (for garnish)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions

• Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup on the bottom of an old-fashioned glass (or a fancy julep cup if you have one).
• Fill the glass with ice.
• Add the Bourbon and stir.
• Garnish with lemon twist and mint sprig.