Relaxing with a Mint Julep: UGC Style
By Michael Nolan
Here in the south, nothing quite compares with having some friends over on a sultry summer evening, sitting on the porch and chatting over a refreshing mint julep.
A perennial favorite most closely associated with the recent Kentucky Derby, the mint julep is as much a part of the culture of the famous horse race as the race itself.
DID YOU KNOW? More than 80,000 mint juleps are sold at the Kentucky Derby every year!
Of course what would a julep be without that all important mint sprig? Well, it would be sweetened bourbon and nothing more and that’s just no good. If you want to partake of the deliciousity that is the mint julep, there’s no better way than to grow your own mint. Of course, if you can make your own bourbon, I’ll be right over.
Mint is one of the easiest herb plants to grow, making it perfect for first timers. A word of advice though – don’t plant mint in your garden or in your yard unless you want a lot of it. Mint is notorious for taking over outdoors spaces when planted in the ground, and although the scent is amazing when you are cutting the grass, it can be a little tedious after a while.
For best results, start with a simple pot, about 1 gallon in size. If you like, you can decorate the pot to make it even more festive. A good quality soil and a small packet of mint seeds are all that it takes. Fill the pot with soil, sprinkle in your seeds and then lightly cover them with a bit more soil. Keep your pot in a sunny window or even better still on your porch. This prolific plant will produce copious amounts of the fresh-scented and delicious sprigs, ready at a moment’s notice for those unexpected guests.
The Perfect Mint Julep
The perfect mint julep starts with mint syrup. To make it, boil equal parts of sugar and water until the sugar has completely dissolved, toss in a handful of fresh min leaves and refrigerate (covered) for a few hours.
Next, you’ll need a good quality bourbon. Fill your glass with ice (crushed is best), add about a tablespoon or so of mint syrup, a couple of mint leaves and finish with about 2 ounces of bourbon and a sprig of mint for garnish
One final note: For a true mint julep, don’t mottle the mint leaves! Save the mottling for your mojitos. A few fresh picked leaves in the glass and a nice sprig of mint for garnish and you’ve got it!
