Memorial Day Mint Julep
It’s more than just alliteration; it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.
Some drinks are just meant to be slowly sipped on a warm summer day, and since Memorial Day is unofficially the calendar kick-off for summer, start your extra-long weekend with this classic, cooling Mint Julep. With smooth bourbon finding its herbaceous counterpoint in the soft sweetness of fresh mint, it makes for a refreshing addition to summer’s first backyard cookout.
Mint-infused simple syrup is combined with Southern whiskey, and the mixture is frozen until it has a slushy consistency. When ready to serve, rim each glass with sugar for a frosted appearance and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Sip a chilled glass of this summertime tipple at this weekend’s Memorial Day ‘cue.
Bottoms up, folks!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup sugar, plus more for garnish
- 3 bunches mint
- 1 bottle Southern whisky
- 1 egg white
- Mint or lavender sprigs, for garnish
Directions:
Make a mint flavored simple syrup by boiling water and sugar with two bunches of roughly torn and bruised mint in large sauce pot. Boil just until the sugar dissolves completely. Cool and strain the mint out of mixture.
Add bottle of whisky to the infusion. Stuff the empty whisky bottle with the last bunch of fresh mint leaves and fill with the simple syrup/whiskey mixture.
Cap and put in freezer overnight. It will freeze to a slushy consistency for serving.
Glasses: dip the rim of each glass in egg white, then in sugar for a frosted appearance and chill. Fill with mint julep mixture straight from the frozen bottle and garnish with a mint or lavender sprig.
Still thirsty? Check out Cooking Channel’s best summer drinks and cocktails.
