Foodie Blogroll

Monday, May 31, 2010

Mint Julep

Now I know it's not the beginning of May and the Kentucky Derby, which is often synonymous with the mint julep, or visa versa. It's the end of May and it's hot and after all I am in the south and this is definitely a southern drink. I have finally been able to grow some mint, and if you want your herbs to thrive you need to trim them and use them. I already have been using it as garnish and added it to my fresh pea soup, but it's a holiday weekend my husbands out on his motorcycle and he doesn't like bourbon....it was all there and made sense to make a mint julep!

I had some simple syrup that I made for a guava sorbet that I had made earlier, so that was ready too. I had to crush the ice, but then I gave up and added a few larger chunks. Did you know the mint julep even had it's own glass? It's made out of pewter, but you still had to hold it at the base or the rim not to warm the drink. Maybe a handle would of been better...just saying.

Ingredients:
For Each Serving:
4 sprigs of mint leaves
Crushed ice
2 tablespoons mint syrup, simple syrup, sugar, or powdered sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 ounces good-quality Kentucky bourbon
The syrup that I made for the sorbet had some ginger infused when I made the syrup. If I was making it just for this maybe I'd try using mint leaves in the sauce pan when making it, but this worked fine it's such a small amount. Simple syrup is the easiest to mix into a cold drink like lemonade or any cocktail. Actually the leaves alone made it plenty minty!
In a old fashioned glass or if you are lucky enough to have a mint julep glass place the mint leaves and a touch of sugar to get some abrasion when you muddle the leaves. You can also add a touch of the bourbon to get the mint going and infused. It's like when making a mojito. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve with a straw.
Just a nice sunny flower I had to get a picture of when we were at the farmer's market on Sat.

Of course all the amounts are adjustable to your personal preference. I didn't add as much sugar so it wouldn't be too sweet. This was so refreshing, I enjoyed sipping on it as I was sitting on the veranda enjoying the holiday that kicks off summer. Cheers!!
Thanking and remembering all the soldiers who fought to keep our country safe and free. We wish to thank them and their families who sacrificed so much for their country.

21 comments:

  1. Sounds great! Cold beer is the refreshing drink of the afternoon here (doing 12 oz curls now to add to our earlier brownie workout, LOL).

    Thanks for adding a note to others to remember the true meaning of this holiday.

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  2. Can you believe I've never had a mint julep? Sounds so refreshing!

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  3. Lol! Martha, you go girl. I'm slowing down on the workout cuz I'm sipping. :D That brownie workout did me in;)

    Megan, this was my first time having a mint julep too. It was actually a lot more refreshing than I thought. I didn't know what I've been missing.

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  4. This looks delicious!Perfect for a hot summer day.

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  5. I've actually never had one of these. I do have a big pot of mint. I'll have to try it sometime. I usually make mojitos.

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  6. Just the drink I need! It has been so hot over here too. There's rain almost every evening but still hot and am still sweating wet. I love having mint drinks & mint sauce for my lamb chop. Absolutely yummy! Enjoy your day!
    Regards, Kristy
    p/s did you receive my email?

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  7. Hi Lindsey, Your mint julep looks so good and refreshing. I have mint plant at home, must make this soon. Thanks!

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  8. A yummy julep is ALWAYS in season! Love it!

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  9. A refreshing drink for a hot summer day :-)

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  10. Wow...looks very refreshing. Would be great for summer.

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  11. How pretty and refreshing, a great summer drink!
    *kisses* HH

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  12. I love this, look really nice and fresh!! gloria

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  13. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! Yours is great and I love the name!
    Have a pretty day,
    Kristin

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  14. Bo, I usually make mojitos too, but I didn't have any rum! The mint julep was a good one too.

    Kristy, yes mint sauce made with fresh mint is the best. We are coming up on our rainy season, usually rains in the afternoon from the heat. I got your email, thanks!

    Ann, it's yummy!

    TKW, That's what I thought!

    Rachana Kothari, yes it is!

    MaryMoh, I enjoyed it!

    "Desperate" Housewife? lol! too funny. It was pretty but it kept melting and disappearing! :)

    Gloria, nice and refreshing!

    Kristin, thanks for visiting back! and thank you for the comment. I have the summer off so I'll spend more time on yours and others blogs!

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  15. A perfectly refreshing wonderful drink!

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  16. I don't drink alcohol but love the presentation of your drink!

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  17. Oh, looks so refreshing! And your sun flower? Beeyooteefool :D

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  18. Very refreshing drink for this hot weather.

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  19. I will definitely be making this at the weekend! Tonight, I have my heart set on a glass of Pimms (I'm thinking of drink and its only just gone 8.30am)! This looks so good. I hope you are well.

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  20. Oh, so intoxicating and delish--mint is a divine herb! Wish I could kick back with you and enjoy this lovely mint julep, short of that, cheers Lyndsey!!

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  21. That is a very refreshing drink! Great when it's hot outside!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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