Mint Julep

1. 1

   In a saucepan combine the sugar and 3/4 cup water and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

2. 2

   Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the chopped mint, and let the mixture stand for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours.

3. 3

   Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a jar or small bowl, pressing hard on the solids, discard the solids, and let the syrup cool.

4. 4

   The syrup may be made 2 weeks in advance and kept covered and chilled.

5. 5

   (The syrup will darken but this will not affect the taste.)

6. 6

   For each julep fill a silver julep cup or 10-ounce glass with some of the ice, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mint syrup, or to taste, and 1 1/2 ounces bourbon, and stir the julep or holding the cup at the rim rotate it back and forth very rapidly.

7. 7

   (A frost will form on the outside of a silver cup.)

8. 8

   Garnish each julep with 1 of the additional mint sprigs.

No additional tips available.