Mint Julep | 14 down 261 to go

Sickness has continued to hang out in the Dilettante household.  This week The Partner came down with the Ick.  So we’ve gone easy again on the bible study.  Thinking about what my father does when he gets sick – like once every 10 years, the lucky son of a gun – I turned to bevs  that might make The poor Partner feel better.  Part of dad’s prescription includes a stiff shot of bourbon.  Since he’s never sick longer than a few days, a bourbon bev seemed a no-brainer.  What could have more powerful medicinal qualities with it’s combination of bourbon and fresh mint but a mint julep?

Turns out he wasn’t too interested in partaking.  But I was a trooper and downed it for him.  Don’t wanna relapse!  This was my second julep ever.  The first was at a Kentucky Derby party hosted by my college chaplain, a  Louisville native.  At the ripe old age of 20 I thought it was pretty disgusting.  I can remember thinking, “There are leaves in my drink!”  After a couple sips I ditched it on the kitchen counter amid other party detritus.  This time the only thing I left on the counter was an empty.  This will definitely be a welcome summer alternative to the trendy and (I’m gonna say it) tired mojito.  The only thing I'll adjust is to dial back on the amount of simple syrup suggested by H & M.  Definitely use shaved or crushed ice.  This one is a classic.  And with my now more grown up tastes, I say with good reason!

Mint Julep
3 oz. bourbon
2-4 T. simple syrup
6 sprigs of fresh mint

Mix 3 oz. of bourbon, 6 sprigs of mint, and 2-4 T. simple syrup in a pint glass.  Add 3 pieces of ice and muddle for about a minute.  Let stand for several minutes.  Strain into glass filled with shaved ice.  Top with seltzer and a mint sprig.

H & M suggest for mintier bevs, skip the ice when muddling and then pour all the muddled mixture into the serving glass followed by the shaved ice.

UPDATE:  Ah, the MJ.  As classic as it is, this one turned out to be equivalent to the bad wine you take out in desperation when the good stuff has run out.  While you think it would be a decent follow-on to the Bourbon Squash, it's a bit of a gear-stripper despite the fact that they're both tall bourbon drinks.  And if you're trying to make a transition via the mint from depleted mojitos or caipirinhas -- oh, please, Gentle Reader, learn from our mistake and don't try it!

On their own, mint juleps are not bad.  And no matter where you're sipping one, you can't help but feel you're in Kentucky watching the horse races.  But coming off another bev, they tend to be heavy and syrupy on the palate.  Not enjoyable at all.  This would be one to start with and then after a round, transition to something brighter if you're in for a long day of tippling.