Kentucky Derby Original Mint Julep Recipe

Courtesy of Announcingit.com

The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. If you intend to make the original version,  you'll need lots of time and lots of ice. The bourbon-sugar mixture takes four to six hours to meld, so make sure you mix more than enough for your party ahead of time.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water (distilled or bottled is best)
1 quart bourbon (Early Times, Jim Beam or Wild Turkey)

8 fresh mint sprigs finely chopped (leaves only, no stems)
Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Preparation:
Combine sugar, water, bourbon and chopped mint leaves in a glass container and stir until the sugar dissolves. Cover and let stand 4 -6 hours.*

To serve:
Strain the bourbon-sugar mixture into a large pitcher and discard the chopped mint. Fill your choice of serving glass with cracked or shaved ice; add the bourbon-sugar mixture and garnish with mint sprigs.

*You might want to make extra of the bourbon-sugar mixture so you don’t run out.