Saturday, May 1, 2010

Southern Libations

Kick back, relax, and rejoice that you're not braving the elements at the Derby this weekend! Put on that outrageous hat, plop down in front of the TV, and celebrate with a mint julep:

  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2/3 cup sugar, plus more for garnish
  • 3 bunches mint
  • 1 bottle Southern whisky
  • 1 egg white
  • Mint or lavender sprigs, for garnish

Directions

Make a mint flavored simple syrup by boiling water and sugar with two bunches of roughly torn and bruised mint in large sauce pot. Boil just until the sugar dissolves completely. Cool and strain the mint out of mixture.

Add bottle of whisky to the infusion. Stuff the empty whisky bottle with last bunch of fresh mint leaves and fill with the simple syrup/whiskey mixture.

Cap and put in freezer overnight. It will freeze to a slushy consistency for serving.

Glasses: dip the rim of each glass in egg white, then in sugar for a frosted appearance and chill. Fill with mint julep mixture straight from the frozen bottle and garnish with a mint or lavender sprig.

[source]