Southern Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that’s the perfect refresher for sunny summer days. Cool, crisp and refreshing, it’s the quintessential drink of hot afternoons spent on porches or patios with friends. But how do you make this timeless beverage? We’ve got you covered with our easy-to-follow recipe and step by step instructions so you can whip up this delicious treat in no time!
Ingredients Needed
Making your own mint juleps at home requires just a few ingredients: fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, bourbon whiskey, crushed ice, and some powdered sugar to finish off the perfect sweetness balance. You’ll also need a muddler and an old fashioned glass.
Preparing The Syrup
First things first: let’s start with making the simple syrup that will help sweeten your mint juleps. Add 1 cup of water to a pot over medium heat until boiling point then add 2 cups of white sugar while stirring constantly. Once all the sugar has dissolved turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely before using it in your cocktails.
Muddling The Mint Leaves
Now we’re ready to prepare our mint leaves for muddling in order to extract their flavor into our drinks. Place 8 freshly washed large sprigs of mint into an old fashion glass (or any sturdy drinking vessel). Use your muddle stick (or alternatively use another blunt kitchen utensil) to gently press down on each leaf as if pressing them against one another – not enough pressure as too much will bruise them resulting in bitter flavors being released into your drink.
Adding Liquids & Ice To Your Glass
Once your leaves have been properly pressed pour 2 ounces of good quality bourbon whiskey over top followed by ½ ounce of simple syrup created earlier while stirring continuously with either a spoon or bar strainer if available – be sure not to use too much liquid as this could overpower other flavors during tasting.
Now fill ¾ full with crushed ice cubes which should give you around 4 ounces total volume per glass then stir again slowly but thoroughly ensuring all ingredients are evenly mixed together before serving..
Garnish And Serve
Finally garnish each finished drink with two large sprigs of fresh mint leaves alongside some powdered sugar sprinkled across its surface for additional sweetness before enjoying chilled! A traditional accompaniment would be adding some edible flowers such as lavender blossoms or rose petals floating atop each glass giving added vibrancy color contrast when served at parties gatherings etc… Enjoy!
Mint Julep
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - 2 ounces 60 ml bourbon whiskey
- - 1 teaspoon superfine sugar or to taste
- - 4 fresh mint leaves
- - Crushed ice
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Place the sugar and three of the mint leaves in a julep cup or rocks glass. Muddle them together until they are fully mixed.
- Add crushed ice until the glass is almost full and pour in the bourbon whiskey. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Garnish with remaining sprig of mint, top off with more crushed ice, and serve immediately!
Glassware
A Mint Julep is typically served in a tall silver or pewter cup, often called a julep cup. It’s also sometimes served in an Old-Fashioned glass.
Flavors
The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail, known for its crisp and refreshing flavor. The primary ingredients of the drink are bourbon whiskey, fresh mint leaves, simple syrup and crushed ice.
The first element that comes to mind when talking about Mint Julep’s flavor profile is the robustness of the bourbon whiskey. This spirit has a sweet aroma with caramel overtones that add complexity to the overall taste.
Fresh mint plays an important role in this beverage as well; it provides a subtle herbal note which helps balance out both sweetness and bitterness from other components in the mix.
Finally, simple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness while also softening up any overwhelming flavors from the other ingredients. When all these elements come together they create a truly unique combination with bold aromas and complex layers of taste!
