Authentic Mint Juleps by Bulleit
Key to Derby Day Cocktail is Rich Mint and Sugar Mixture
The Kentucky Derby and mint juleps are a twosome. Bulleit Bourbon, developed by Tom Bulleit, has a recipe for an authentic mint julep that will please on Derby Day.
On Kentucky Derby day, a mint julep is at the center of every celebration. It is as essential to the Derby Day party as is the thoroughbred race itself.
Maker of Bulleit Bourbon
Tom Bulleit is the founder of Bulleit Bourbon (www.bulleitbourbon.com). He states that a mint julep can be a delightful experience even coming from the hands of an amateur. But an authentic mint julep can be a legendary experience, given the use of an excellent bourbon.
Bulleit Bourbon has been a Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Super-premium bourbons are rapidly growing in popularity. Bulleit Bourbon is the current leader in this category.
"Other than great bourbon...a rich julep mixture of mint extract, sugar and water that will flavor the bourbon to satisfy your personal taste" is the key to creating a great Derby Day cocktail, Bulleit said.
"Everyone in Kentucky has a mint julep recipe," states Bulleit, but starting "with an excellent bourbon" is the secret to concocting an authentic mint julep for a Run for the Roses party.
An authentic mint julep depends on the grade of the bourbon, Bulleit suggests, just as picking a Derby winner depends on more than a horse's appearance.
Bulleit Bourbon is owned by Diageo (www.diageo.com), a premium drinks world leader in sales. Listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, Diageo trades in 180 countries worldwide.
The Tom Bulleit Authentic Mint Julep recipe:
Ingredients: Bulleit Bourbon, fresh mint, water (preferably distilled, or spring), granulated sugar
Make a 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 preferred, place the mint leaves back into 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 with the bourbon.
To serve, fill each julep cup (10-12 oz. in, preferably, silver, but glass will do) with crushed, or shaved ice, and insert a fresh mint sprig.
Add 1.5 oz. of Bulleit Bourbon per cup. Follow with the marinated julep mixture, adding as much as preferred to taste.
Pick a Derby winner, and enjoy!
