Mint Julep Syrup
Ahh, Mint Julep, mmmm, such a delicious refreshing drink, perfect for hot summer days! But, for me, I do tend to drink it throughout the year whenever I get a yearning for the lovely taste and scent of mint. It also helps remind me of the lovely warm days of summer and of course, those refreshing moments in my swimming pool! Besides, it’s so easy to prepare any time of the year. Whenever I make a batch, I keep it in mason jars or a pitcher in the fridge so anyone can have a quick and easy thirst quenching beverage. The younger people can just pour the mixture in a glass of ice and dilute it mixing it 1/4 mix to 3/4 water. The adults will have the pleasure of adding a yummy Kentucky Bourbon to make a delicious beverage to sip on.
Mint Juleps are very popular during the Kentucky Derby. With all their lovely, broad brimmed hats on those hot sunny days, an icy, silver Julep cup containing a frosty minty drink spiked with sweet Kentucky Bourbon sounds absolutely delightful! The traditional way to make one is to muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of a frosted silver julep cup to release the minty aroma and taste. Top it to the rim with crushed ice, fill it 1/2 way, (about 2 oz), with a really good bourbon, add a sweet simple syrup and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Mmmmm sounds delicious!
I have recreated the Mint Julep by eliminating a couple of steps, but the aromatic scent and taste will still enfold your senses with ecstasy as you taste your first sip and ravish your drink with sheer enjoyment, until you realize your glass is empty and smile sheepishly as you hold out your glass for a refill.
And now, here is Sandee Lane’s version of a Mint Julep.
MINT JULEP
INGREDIENTS:
8 cups cold water
4 cups white sugar
a bunch of mint ( about 20 sprigs)
Kentucky Bourbon
METHOD TO PREPARE THE MINTY SYRUP:
Put 8 cups of water in a pot and turn the burner on high.
Add 4 cups of white sugar and stir until dissolved.
Remove a few small leaves of mint and set aside to garnish your drinks.
Rinse off the sprigs of mint and discard any leaves that are not a lovely green. Add the whole sprigs to the pot of sugar water. If they are a bit long, just fold them in half.
When the water begins to boil, bring the heat down to medium, it should be at a very light, slow, gentle, bubbling simmer.
Do not cover. Let the mixture lightly simmer until it has reduced by half.
Remove the mint to a strainer, then discard.
Let the mixture cool.
Pour slowly through a tea strainer, or a very fine strainer, into the mason jars or your desired container.
The mixture will last in your fridge up to two week. (But, in my house it only lasts a few days!)
METHOD TO PREPARE A MINT JULEP DRINK:
Fill a glass with lots of crushed ice, (or just regular ice like I do), add 2 oz of bourbon, 2 oz of minty syrup, garnish with a small mint leaves and enjoy!
After a few of these tasty drinks you might just be saying to your sweetie, “Talk Derby to me!”
…. and their off!
These are the lovely glasses I used for my drink.
Justify with his rose garland after winning the 2018 Kentucky Derby
The following clip is a montage of beautiful photos of the 144th Run for the Roses winners Justify. #7, jockey Mike Smith and trainer Bob Baffert (2018)
Watch the exciting race where Justify and his jockey Mike Smith win the 2018 Triple Crown at Belmont Stakes. Trainer Bob Baffert wins his second Triple Crown in three years. Congratulations to all!
Trainer Bob Baffert presents 2018 Kentucky Derby winner Justify to the media at Churchill Downs.
