How to Make a Mint Julep to Beat the Summer Heat

The king of the summer cocktail is the old-fashioned southern favorite: the Mint Julep. Take these steps to create the perfect summer drink.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bourbon Whiskey
• Fresh Mint
• Wooden Spoon
• Sugar
• Shaved Ice
• Lemon or Orange(Optional)
• Highball glass

1. Remove the stems from one quarter cup fresh mint. Mint leaf stems have a bitter taste so make sure you get them all.

2. Bruise the mint leaves by crushing them lightly with a wooden spoon. Bruising brings out the flavor of the mint.

3. Combine bruised mint leaves and two teaspoons sugar in the bottom of a highball glass. Stir enough to blend the sugar and mint without melting the sugar.

4. Optional. Shave rind twists from lemon or orange. Four or five shavings should do the trick. Give shavings a twist and add them to the bottom of the glass. Cut the orange or lemon in sections and rub a section on rim of glass.

5. Fill glass with shaved ice. Pack it with as much ice is a possible. This is the key to a GREAT Mint Julep--lots of ice.

6. Fill glass with bourbon. Serves one.

7. After you're done drinking the bourbon, there should be a wonderful lump of icy, minty sugar left at the bottom of the glass. Delicious!

Tips & Warnings

• Try adding new combinations of flavors. Citrus gives it a fruity twist. Or try nutmeg or cinnamon to give it a unique twist.
• Mint Julep is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby.
• Best served in metal glasses to keep the shaved ice from melting.
• Don't drink and drive.
• Drink responsibly.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide