Springtime in the Bluegrass is the best time of year to be a Kentuckian. Feathered hats, sundresses, bow ties perfectly complement the races – as does a classic julep.
Mint juleps are a standard cocktail for May, but there are plenty of ways to update the classic recipe with a seasonal twist – adding ginger syrup, sweet tea, or your favorite seasonal fruit or herbs are all simple ways to shake up the tradition.
Below, we’ve provided a classic julep recipe with an option for a seasonal twist - click here for more alternative julep recipes from April's Rose Julep Lexington contest!
Ingredients:
Julep 7
Photo by Theresa Stanley
• 2 ounces bourbon
• 2 ounces mint simple syrup (recipe below)
• 1 bunch mint sprigs
• Plenty of crushed ice
Mint Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, pour two cups sugar and two cups cold water. Stir occasionally while bringing to boil. At boiling point add six fresh mint sprigs then turn off heat. Cool completely. Remove mint. Refrigerate syrup for up to two weeks.
Method:
To julep cup, add syrup and bourbon then stir. Fill with crushed ice. Add garnish and straw. Recipe serves one, but you’ve made enough syrup to serve (or have) several.
Seasonal Twist:
For a kiss of summer, muddle blackberries in the bottom of the julep cup before building the drink. ss