On Derby Day, (the first Saturday in May) you should never be far from a mint julep. Sweet and minty with a hefty bourbon punch, this iconic drink is a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter bourbon
• 40 mint leaves
• 1 c distilled water (if you are a purist)
• 1 c granulated sugar
• Mint sprigs for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the mint extract.
   a.Remove about 40 mint leaves – wash and place in a small bowl.
   b.Cover with bourbon (about 3 oz).
   c. Soak the leaves for at least 15 minutes.
   d. Gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of bourbon.
   e. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.
   f. Set extract aside.
2. Prepare the simple syrup.
   a. Mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a cooking pot.
   b. Heat to dissolve the sugar.
   c. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn.
   d.  Let cool.
3. Prepare the julep mixture.
   a. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to 3 ½ cups of bourbon
   b. Add the mint extract small amounts at a time to the julep mixture, and taste as you add. Repeat until right. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons of mint extract, but this varies for each batch.
   c. Refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

4. Serve the juleps.  If you don’t have julep cups, use any cocktail glass that allows your nose to sniff and smell the “bloom” of mint.
a. Pack each glass to the top with crushed ice. Allow the outside of the glass to frost.
b. Pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and garnish with mint sprig.
c. Use a straw, sip slowly, and enjoy!

Serves: 26-30 servings.

Source:  brooklynderby.com