Now that spring is here, my thoughts turn towards long days outside spent with my horse and my oldest friends! And, because it’s almost the “Merry Month of May”, I start thinking about Mint Juleps! Actually, I drink Mint Juleps all spring long simply because I love them. For as long as I’ve been alive I've been one of those "horsey girls". I’ve a deep appreciation of Kentucky racing tradition and the classic Mint Julep is definitely part of that! There's something about that alluring combination of mint syrup with the crushed ice and the best bourbon, as the band plays "My Old Kentucky Home" that sets me to tears and sends shivers down my spine!
There's almost nothing that I love more than a Kentucky Derby Party and it's the perfect occasion to serve this drink. Fast horses, Gorgeous hats, a bit of bourbon, fine gentlemen and a wager or two creates a perfect day! I love most bourbons, but for my Mint Juleps only Blanton's
Bourbon with the cute pewter race horse stopper will do!
Blantons has a lovely smoky flavor, laced with burnt caramel that is absolutely luscious with the muddled mint and sugar!
I have one other requirement for my Mint Juleps and that is that they should be served in a proper Julep cup. It can be silverplate, sterling or pewter, but a metal cup is a must. Quite simply, it keeps the drink colder longer. Also, the metallic tinge of the glass provides a delightful top note to the drink , a bit like what a touch of jasmine does to a predominantly rose perfume. Please trust me on this one! It's worth it!


To start, you must make a simple mint syrup which is very easy. Take a cup of water and a cup of sugar and bring it to a boil stirring often until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat, add about 12 fresh sprigs of spearmint and refrigerate for 24 hours in a jar with a lid. Remove the mint after the infusing period and you are ready to go!
Next.......
3 fresh spearmint leaves
1 tablespoon simple mint syrup
Crushed ice
1 to 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) bourbon
One 4-inch cocktail straw or coffee stirrer
fresh mint sprig
Powdered sugar (optional)
Place mint leaves and Mint Simple Syrup in a chilled julep cup. Gently muddle the mint leaves against the cup with the back of the spoon to release their flavors. Pack cup tightly with crushed ice and pour the bourbon over ice. Insert straw, place mint sprig directly next to straw, and serve immediately. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
It's that simple...Southern style in a glass!
Mint Juleps are amazing stirred and served with good friends and horse races, Hunter Trials in autumn, homemade cheese straws and ham biscuits! This years Kentucky Derby is on the 3rd of May! Why don’t you host a Derby Party this year? It’s a delightful way to spend the late afternoon! Below , I’ve listed a wonderful website that I’ve found to help you create the perfect Derby party. I hope that you’ll enjoy it!

Tally Ho!
http://party.kentuckyderby.com