1ouncesimple syrup(divided, .50 ounce per cocktail)
10cupcherries(washed and pitted)
1 1/2cupsice(approximately)
4ouncesbourbon
Garnish
6mint leaves(divided, 3 per cocktail)
6cherries(divided, 3 per cocktail)
Instructions
Place mint and simple syrup in each mint julep cup. Muddle until you can smell the mint. (Approximately 1 - 2 minutes)
20 mint leaves, 1 ounce simple syrup
Place the cherries and ice in a blender and blend until crushed but not like snow consistancy
10 cup cherries, 1 1/2 cups ice
Fill the cups 3/4 with cherry slush
Measure bourbon and pour over the ice
4 ounces bourbon
Add more slush and place cherry halves on top along with mint leaves
6 mint leaves, 6 cherries
Sip
Smile
Enjoy
Notes
Tips on making this mint julep:
I considered muddling the cherries with the mint and simple syrup but I wanted to take this cocktail to another level so I decided to blend them with the ice. You can choose what you'd like to do, but blending is fun!
Use the best bourbon you can afford. Since bourbon is the main ingredient and you are not adding a fruit juice, you will be able to taste the difference. The better the bourbon, the smoother the cocktail. Lower quality bourbon will be more harsh.
Use fresh mint. You can find it in little plastic containers in the produce section. Or if you're lucky, in your backyard garden.
Make your own simple syrup. It is super easy and more cost effective. Here's how: place 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of water in a sauce pan over medium heat until the sugar melts. Then let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool, and store in an air tight bottle. Simple sugar can last for months in your liquor cabinet.
If you don't have a muddler, you can use the back of a long wooden spoon.