Tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby, I wish I was there but I am just going to have to settle for a Mint Julep and a television screen for my derby experience. I spent this week reading tons of recipes for Mint Juleps – every recipe claimed to be the best and the only way you should have a julep. Some recipes make a simple syrup of mint and sugar, some just did it with water and sugar, no heating and there are even popsicles! So I did a little experimentation and wanted to share my version. Enter yet another recipe…. This is not a classic Mint Julep because of the lemon but it sure is delicious.
It definitely helps if you have plenty of crushed ice on hand, I had to settle for making mine the old-fashioned way so it took a while and I became too impatient to make mounds of ice. 
Ps. who is your favorite horse for tomorrow?
Also check out these DIY cocktail stirrers, they were made for Derby parties.
Mint Juleps with a Lemon Twist
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 5 large mint leaves (for muddling)
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- Crushed ice
- Lemon wedge and extra mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Add sugar, water, lemon juice and mint leaves to a cocktail shaker and gently muddle the mint. The trick is to break the leaves so the mint extract is released but not break down the leaves so fine pieces come through the strainer.
- Give it a good shake and add in bourbon.
- Add crushed ice to a glass and pour the cocktail over it (make sure you use your strainer to catch any mint leaves.
- Garnish with lemon and mint.
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