Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A Mint Julep Please!

If there was ever an occasion to drink a mint julep, it is this Saturday-the first Saturday in May or the day of the Kentucky Derby! I have always, always, always wanted to throw a Kentucky Derby party. I have so many party ideas running around in my head including one activity involving betting on paper horses. Oh, and who could forget the sundresses and hats! You would have to wear a fabulous sundress and hat.

However, April, May and June are super busy months at work for me, so I have yet to throw my Kentucky Derby party. I won't be hosting a party this Saturday, but I might just try my hand at making the drink most often associated with the Derby-a mint julep.


Below is a great mint julep recipe found in Southern Living. You can also find it here.

Yield: Makes 1 (8-ounce) julep

Ingredients

  • 3 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Mint Simple Syrup
  • Crushed ice
  • 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) bourbon
  • 1 (4-inch) cocktail straw or coffee stirrer
  • 1 fresh mint sprig
  • Powdered sugar (optional)

Preparation

Place mint leaves and Mint Simple Syrup in a chilled julep cup. Gently press leaves against cup with back of spoon to release flavors. Pack cup tightly with crushed ice; pour bourbon over ice. Insert straw, place mint sprig directly next to straw, and serve immediately. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.


Mint Juleps are traditionally served in a silver julep cup (as pictured above). Amazon has a great selection of julep cups varying in price. (Don't forget to check to make sure the julep cups you purchase are meant for drinking. Some are just made for decoration and are not food or drink safe.)

Don't have julep cups. Don't worry-Just be creative! Serve your mint juleps in a mason jar or in any other fun bar glasses you might have! After all, mint juleps are quite stout, so after one you really don't care what kind of glass you are drinking out of! ;)

16 comments:

Trish {Pink Preppy Lilly Lover} said...

What a fun post, I love a good mint julep! HAPPY DERBY WEEK!

Thanks for your comment, I own one pair of Loubs, and you can bet I would never wear them to the Derby, they would be in pretty bad shape by the end of the day! xox

Lindsey said...

Mmm I love a good mint julep! Thanks for the recipe friend!

Jules said...

I’d love to one time attend the Kentucky Derby or any of the races for that matter. I’d try and get the perfect dress with matching gigantic hat and sip on my first mint julep (I’ve always wanted to try one).

Rebecca said...

Mmmmm Yes Please!

Emily said...

I have ALWAYS wanted to try one of those! They look so yummy :)

Anonymous said...

I love Southern Living! nothing is better than a summer mint julep
Katherine

Anonymous said...

Did I just get a buzz reading this?! haha...great post girl! Hope your having a wonderful week! xoxo

Kelsey Claire said...

I am going to have to make this! I have never had a mint julep. We are going to the horse races on Friday. We wish we were going on Saturday because then we could bet on the derby!

Lindsey said...

I really wish I would like Mint Juleps! But the first time I had one I couldn't stand it! =( Just not my kind of drink, but they sure do look pretty!! Have fun!

Katie's Great Adventure said...

Ooh, mint juleps and huge hats? What an awesome idea! That would be such a great party! That's a nice easy mint julep recipe too--I'll have to try it!

PreppyBumpkin said...

Many thanks for the recipe! Used it tonight for our little Derby Party and they were a HUGE hit. Best part - I can use the left over mint simple syrup to make killer mint tea this week.

Hope you had a fab tab Derby Day!

Miss Jody said...

I can see you throwing a party like that too!
Derby week? How cool!?
There is such a thing? love it!

have a great time! :)

New Girl on Post said...

I've never had a mint julep. Obviously I need to change this fact soon! Thanks for the recipe!

Nishant said...

I love a good mint julep!
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