The Old Forester Mint Julep

I went to the Official Kentucky Derby Site for this recipe, and here is what they had to say about this iconic drink: "No Derby Party is complete without the Mint Julep which has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. Each year, almost 120,000 Old Forester Mint Juleps are served over the two day period of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. This is a feat that requires over 10,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 lbs. of freshly harvested mint, and 60,000 lbs. of ice!" And, lucky Diane and Danny Shaeffer are there!!! And, lucky ME cuz I will be at Emerald Downs today to witness the event on the giant screen. Will likely bet a $1 exacta box using 3 horses. My M.O.

2 cups Sugar in the Raw*
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon
Silver Julep Cups (or Mason jars*)

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five mins. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight (or as long as possible). Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding 1 T.  mint syrup, and 2 oz. of Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with s sprig of fresh mint. Combine this with a traditional Kentucky Hot Brown Sammie (see my blog on 5/2/14 for the recipe), and you are good to go!! And, they're raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacing!!!

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Love,

Machete Milletti