We used the following:
- Maker's Mark Kentucky bourbon
- Two kinds of mint: (1) backyard mint; and (2) week-old, store-bought mint
- Homemade turbinado sugar simple syrup
- This recipe: http://backyardbartender.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-best-mint-julep-you-will-ever-taste.html
Some mistakes I learned from:
- Ratio of turbinado sugar to water: I initially made a 1:1 ratio, then saw it required a 2:1 ratio. Not a big deal--just remix : o )
- Forgot to muddle the mint at the bottom of one cup before putting in the ice
- Sprig of mint for the top of the glass--it looks better to use a generous mint leaf : o )
- Mix the simple syrup and bourbon together, then pour over the ice
- Stir the mixture after pouring
- Muddle the mint leaves over the side of the silver cup
Despite all the beginner mistakes, it turned out somewhat satisfactorily, after the ice had a chance to melt and the various parts had a chance to mingle.
I am not sure how much better a mint julep can really taste--it represents a simple drink. We drank in the kitchen and socialized, but I can imagine how refreshing this might taste on a hot and humid Kentucky summer afternoon!
Note: as a special treat, we watched New Orleans bartender Chris McMillian make it.
Note: as a special treat, we watched New Orleans bartender Chris McMillian make it.
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