Renees Derby Mint Julep Recipes

EASY MINT JULEP WITH MINT SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• **The simple syrup needs to be made at least an hour in advance so that it has time to cool.**
• Combine sugar water, and 3 sprigs of mint in a small saucepan.
• Heat to a boil over high heat stirring occasionally. Boil 3 minutes, then cool to room temperature.
• Strain syrup into a plastic squeeze bottle or other sealable container. Discard the mint solids. Refrigerate the simple syrup to cool completely before use - at least 45 minutes.
• Combine mint simple syrup, bourbon, and ice in a mint julep cup or highball glass.
• Briskly stir until glass is cold and condensation begins to form on the outside.
• Top with more ice and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

TRADITIONAL MINT JULEP

Steps:

• -Bring the water and sugar to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook and stir until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly (approximately 3-4 minutes). Cool completely.
• -Add the first four ingredients into a cocktail glass. Top with ginger ale and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

DERBY MINT JULEP

Steps:

• Make the Mint Simple Syrup:
• Combine mint, sugar, and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Using a fine-mesh sieve or a colander lined with cheesecloth, strain mixture into a heatproof container and chill at least 25 minutes.
• Make the cocktail:
• Using your hands, lightly slap mint leaves, being careful not to bruise them, and place in a julep cup. Add 1/3 cup ice, then 2 tsp. Mint Simple Syrup. Pack another 1/3 cup ice on top. Add 1 oz. bourbon and stir. Add another 1/3 cup ice and remaining 1/2 oz. bourbon. Top with remaining 1 cup ice, tightly packing into a dome. Insert a straw into ice and garnish with mint sprigs.
• Do Ahead
• The Mint Simple Syrup can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

RENEE'S DERBY MINT JULEP

Steps:

• 1. Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a glass and top with simple syrup or sugar, I prefer the superfine sugar - it helps to break down the mint leaves but suit yourself.
• 2. Using a muddler, crush the leaves in the bottom of a glass until they begin to break down.
• 3. Add the bourbon to the glass and stir.
• 4. Fill with crushed ice, give another quick stir, and top with a splash of club soda.
• 5. Garnish with mint and serve immediately.

FROZEN DERBY MINT JULEPS

Steps:

• Pour bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves into a blender; blend on high until combined. Add ice; blend until juleps have a slushy consistency. Divide among serving glasses.

KENTUCKY DERBY MINT JULEPS

Steps:

• The day before serving, or even earlier, put the julep cups in the freezer. Put the water and sugar in a small saucepan, bring to a boil without stirring, and boil for 2 minutes, or until sugar is completely dissolved.
• Put the mint leaves in a glass jar or cup, pour the slightly cooled syrup over them, let cool, then cover and refrigerate for 12 hours or longer. When ready to use, strain out the mint leaves.
• Half an hour before serving, pack the julep cups tightly up to the rim with crushed ice and return them to the freezer.
• For each julep pour 3 ounces of bourbon over the ice, followed by two teaspoons of mint syrup. Do not stir or agitate. Use a cloth to hold each cup by the rim so as not to disturb the frost. Use a short straw or a chopstick to make a hole in the ice on the side of the cup and insert a sprig of mint. Serve immediately, preferably on a silver tray.