April 29, 2016 
It’s that time of year, my friends. The time when we celebrate grace, beauty and speed with an historic alcoholic beverage. Specifically, the Mint Julep.
It’s a rather straightforward concoction, but variants are as abundant and glorious as the hat couture at MJ’s signature coming out party. Simply ask your favorite bartender for his or her interpretation.
Here’s the basic recipe:
- Add fresh mint leaves to an old-fashioned, Collins or highball glass. Or if you really want to go retro chic, use a silver or pewter cup which allows frost to form on the outside. Traditionally, spearmint is the mint of choice used in Southern states including Kentucky.
- Add .5 ounces of simple syrup
A note on measurements from Drink of the Week: “Normal people measure things in ounces, cups, tablespoons and other recognizable increments. Cocktail people often use ‘parts’ instead, which puts the recipe in the form of a ratio.” (End of math lesson.)
3. Add 2 oz of bourbon whiskey
4. Muddle the mint. As you can see, our Horse Network bartender is using a “muddler.” This nifty tool is used to mash fruits, herbs, and/or spices in the bottom of a glass to release their flavor.
5. Add ice
6. Stir
7. Top off with additional ice and mint leaves and straw. Try to do that cool little hacking motion to get the mint to lay just right and to release its flavor and essential oils
Enjoy!
