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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(ARA) - Nothing marks the full flowering of spring like the crown jewel of horseracing -- the nation’s longest-running sporting event -- held the first Saturday in May in Louisville, Ky. Along with race-watching parties and ladies in big hats, tradition calls for the perfect Mint Julep to entertain family and friends during “the most thrilling two minutes in sports.”
Mint Juleps originated more than 100 years ago when Kentucky bourbon was shipped up and down the Mississippi River, where fresh mint grew along the riverbanks. Legend has it that traders flavored their bourbon with sugar and tender young mint sprigs, giving birth to the iconic Mint Julep.
Tom Bulleit, founder of Bulleit Bourbon and one of the few remaining scions of a Kentucky bourbon-making family whose name is on the bottle, admits that even a Mint Julep made by a rank amateur can be a delight. After all, Mint Juleps tend to be served in the festive, young days of spring during the biggest week of the thoroughbred racing season. In this atmosphere, how could a concoction of bourbon, water, sugar and mint turn out badly?
Bulleit contends, however, that settling for a Mint Julep that is merely delightful is like betting on a horse that is merely handsome. He insists that an authentic Mint Julep, simply made by following a few easy steps, is an experience of which legends are made.
“Start with an excellent bourbon,” advises Bulleit. He would know. Bulleit Bourbon earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and is currently America’s fastest-growing super-premium bourbon, a category of spirits that is surging in popularity around the world.
“Everyone in Kentucky has a mint julep recipe,” adds Bulleit. “Other than great bourbon, the key is creating a rich julep mixture of mint extract, sugar and water that will flavor the bourbon to satisfy your personal taste.”
By following Tom Bulleit’s recipe, you can add some authentic Kentucky flavor to your Derby Day celebration.
Tom Bulleit’s Authentic Mint Julep
To prepare individual, authentic mint juleps, you will need:
Bulleit Bourbon
Fresh Mint
Water, preferable distilled or spring
Granulated sugar
Here are the directions:
* Make simple syrup by mixing equal amounts of sugar and water into a small pot. (1 cup sugar and 1 cup water.) Heat long enough for sugar to dissolve but not burn. Remove from heat and let cool.
* Prepare mint extract by removing the small, tender mint leaves. Wash, pat dry and put 30 to 40 leaves in a small mixing bowl and cover with 3 ounces of Bulleit Bourbon. Soak the leaves for at least 15 minutes.
* Remove the mint leaves, place in a clean cotton cloth and wring vigorously over the bowl, bruising the leaves. Keep dipping in bourbon (several times) and wringing the leaves so the juice of the mint is dripped back into the bourbon. Set this mint extract aside for at least 1 hour. If you prefer, you can place the mint leaves back in the extract for a more concentrated mint flavor.
* Combine the mint extract (leaves included, if preferred) with the simple syrup in a covered glass container or jar and refrigerate overnight. This is the julep mix (enough for approximately 8 drinks) that will blend beautifully with the bourbon.
* To serve, fill each julep cup (10 to 12 ounces, preferably silver but glass will do) with crushed or shaved ice and insert a fresh mint sprig.
* Add 1.5 ounces of Bulleit Bourbon per cup. Follow with the marinated julep mixture, adding as much as the palate prefers for a fresh, flavorful libation that knows no equal!
For more information on Bulleit Bourbon, Tom Bulleit’s Authentic Mint Julep and other recipes, visit www.bulleitbourbon.com.
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