Ingredients:

  • 0.5 oz homemade mint julep simple syrup
  • 2 oz high-proof Kentucky Bourbon
  • 8-10 large fresh mint leaves
  • 3 cups crushed ice
  • 1 large bouquet fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Place 8–10 mint leaves in the bottom of a chilled julep cup and add 0.5 oz of simple syrup.
  2. Using a muddler, press down firmly but gently on the leaves 4–5 times to bruise them and release essential oils without tearing the plant matter.
  3. Pour 2 oz of high-proof bourbon over the mint and syrup, then swirl the cup slightly to integrate the flavors.
  4. Pack the cup to the brim with crushed ice and stir with a long bar spoon until a frost forms on the outside of the metal cup.
  5. Top with additional crushed ice to form a mound and garnish with a large bouquet of fresh mint.