Mint Juleps

The pantheon of Southern culture consists of William Faulkner, seersucker, and mint juleps. This is a tasty adult treat for those hot summer days which usually start in May. Many ways exist to make a mint julep, but below is my favorite.

First we need to make some mint infused simple syrup. I like to use two parts water to one part sugar, but you make change these proportions depending on how sweet you want your syrup (the amount will depend on how much simple syrup you want to make). As I get older I am less a fan of sweet beverages. Plus, when I pour all that sugar in the sauce pot I think, "That's an awful lot of sugar."

Mint Infused Simple Syrup

2 Cups water
1 Cup sugar
Handful of fresh mint leaves

Combine all ingredients in sauce pan and warm on a stove burner until all sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Once the simple syrup has cooled, remove the mint leaves and discard.

Mint Juleps

Fill a glass with crushed ice. Add Kentucky straight bourbon. This drink needs to be strong. There is reason you always see pictures of those Kentucky colonels sitting and not standing. Add the mint infused simple syrup, stir, and garnish with some mint leaves. Consume, enjoy, and do not operate heavy machinery.