Lemon-and-Mint Julep

Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Yield:
1 drink

Martha puts a twist on the classic Kentucky Derby drink by sweetening it with homemade lemon syrup. The bright citrus flavor complements the bourbon and fresh mint beautifully.

Ingredients

Lemon Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 12 strips lemon zest (from 2 lemons)

Cocktail

  • 6 fresh mint leaves, plus sprig for garnish

  • Crushed ice

  • 2 ounces bourbon, such as Bulleit

Directions

  1. Lemon Simple Syrup: Heat sugar, 1 cup water, and lemon zest in a small saucepan over high, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; let cool 20 minutes. Remove zest; let cool completely. Syrup can be refrigerated up to 1 week. (Makes 1 1/2 cups.)

  2. Cocktail: In the bottom of a julep cup, muddle mint leaves with 1 tablespoon syrup for a few seconds until mint starts to break down. Add bourbon and fill cup with ice; stir until well chilled. Top with more ice and garnish with mint sprig.

    fresh mint julep in metal cup
    Bryan Gardner
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