Mint Julep Syrup

I love my porch-time with neighbors.  When the days start heating up and evenings are sultry, that means it's time to harvest a little mint and make a batch of "Mint Julep Syrup" for Juleps to share on the porch.  We placed first in a competition for a variation of this recipe...so you could say that it has a winning heritage.  It's another mixer base you can make and keep chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use.  Cheers!   

Mint Julep Syrup

Yield: 6 cups

Ingredients:

4 c mint leaves, washed and rough chopped to bruise

4 c water

4 c sugar

Method:

• In a pot bring water just to a boil, add chopped mint leaves and stir for about 30 seconds.  
• Add sugar; stir until all sugar is dissolved.  Turn off heat.  
• Allow it to steep until completely cooled.  
• Strain syrup into a container to store in the refrigerator.

To Make a Mint Julep:

In a julep cup, double old fashioned or collins glass, fill halfway with crushed or shaved  ice.  Pour 1/2 oz. “Mint Julep Syrup” and 2 1/2 oz. bourbon over the ice and stir.  Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy.

Note: to make a larger quantity use 1 part syrup to 5 parts bourbon mixing in a container to pour into individual glasses. 

~CGJ