Mint Julep

Celebrated the Kentucky Derby today by watching it at the Berkley Bar, then making mint julep drinks.

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: 

1. 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 )
2. Forgot to muddle the mint at the bottom of one cup before putting in the ice
3. Sprig of mint for the top of the glass--it looks better to use a generous mint leaf : o )
4. Mix the simple syrup and bourbon together, then pour over the ice
5. Stir the mixture after pouring
6. 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.