Tomorrow is a Big Day. It is Kentucky Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo and my birthday. And the moon is going to be a Supermoon, which means all kinds of interesting things will happen to the tides and pregnant ladies. And while I will not be anywhere near Churchill Downs or a cantina or a maternity ward, you absolutely will find me in the company of this handsome gentleman.
Here’s my recipe for Kentucky Mint Juleps:
Fresh mint
Sugar
Kentucky bourbon (may I suggest Woodford Reserve?)
Sparkling water
Shaved ice
Short straw (cut a little above the rim of your glass, so your nose is down near the mint)
First make a simple syrup, which is one part sugar to one part water, heated till the sugar dissolves.
While warm, add a bunch of mint leaves and stems. Let that steep and cool. Then strain out the leaves and chill the syrup.
May I offer you a julep? Why, yes, Colonel, I would love one! Did I mention it is my birthday?
Pack a glass (or silver julep cup) with shaved ice.
Depending on your-own personal taste, pour in more or less of a jigger of bourbon and about the same amount of the syrup.
Top with sparkling water, stir, and garnish with a sprig of mint and a short straw.
Mmmmm. I wonder what happens when you mix Kentucky bourbon with a Supermoon.
