Ah the famous drink of the Kentucky Derby. Apparently people have gotten into duels over whether or not the mint should be crushed. Trader Vic says not to, Kingsley Amis says not to, but to leave them in the sugar water for an hour before finishing the mix, but Robert Duvall's character in Thank You For Smoking advocates crushing to loosen the oils, and if I remember my directors commentary right, that was an ad lib. So Robert Duvall I will listen to. Also, I have a muddler that I use for my mojito's so why not put it to use.
The Mint Julep
Bourbon
5-6 Mint Leaves
1 Tsp Sugar
Water enough to dissolve the sugar
Not having any fine single batch bourbon on hand to make this drink (which I am assured makes it all the much better) I substituted Seven Crown. I have long held that Seagram's 7 Crown is your best bargain whiskey. It tastes pretty good and costs pretty little.
The Mint Julep is a smooth drink. The mint and the sugar combine with the woody notes of the whiskey to make something that is truly drinkable. I can see why the Southern gentry of old sipped on this drink as a staple.
I think the mojito is still a better drink, but thats only because I love both rum and lime, but so long as I have mint for the mojitos and whiskey lying around, I can see where this drink would go good on a porch.
