Don’t Judge Me Mondays: Woodinville Julep

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The Kentucky Derby was over the weekend.  I’m not much into horse racing but I love the spectacle. Along with big hats, the thing I most associate with this the Derby is the Mint Julep.

When I’ve had this cocktail in the past, it’s been WAY too strong for me, so I decided it was time to make one I enjoyed.  This cocktail definitely brings out the Bourbon, so make sure you use a high quality one.  I am calling this drink the Woodinville Julep because I used Bourbon from the Woodinville Whiskey Co., which is just down the hill from us.

You’ll need an 8 ounce glass for this cocktail.  I used a half pint mason jar because I thought it looked nice and I always have a bunch of them on hand.  The main criteria for your glass is that it needs to have a mouth wide enough to fit a muddling tool.

Put the mint leaves in the bottom of the glass and add your superfine sugar.  Superfine sugar can be found in the baking aisle in your local grocery store in the sugar section.  It’s usually in a carton.  This type of sugar is better for this cocktail because it will dissolve quickly.

 

Muddle the mint leaves and sugar until the mint leaves start to break down.  I just used the handle of a spatula because we don’t have a muddler.  Whatever works 🙂

Then add a splash of sparkling water.  You just want enough so that the mint and sugar can be “unstuck” from the bottom of the glass.  Add enough crushed ice to fill the glass 3/4 of the way full.

Add your bourbon and stir to mix in the sugar and mint from the bottom.  Top off with sparkling water to the top of the glass.  If you want a garnish, just add a nice-looking sprig of mint.

Enjoy, preferably while wearing a large hat!