It's that time again... COCKTAIL TIME!
The Kentucky Derby is tomorrow, so today I present you with two takes on the classic Mint Julep... but there's a twist!
In honor of Mother's Day on Sunday, the first of these juleps is a little more grown up and feminine. I call that one the Kentucky Peach Julep.
The second julep I have for you is in honor of Cinco De Mayo (which was yesterday), my dad's birthday (which is today), and the Kentucky Derby (which is tomorrow). I call it the MexiCali Chrome. This julep's secret weapon ingredient is also one of my dad's favorites- Mezcal.
If you don't already know, the Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It is traditionally made with Kentucky Bourbon (Woodford Reserve), simple syrup, mint, and crushed ice. Each year the derby comes out with a spin the julep, so this year, I decided to do it myself!
Let's drink!
Before mixing these cocktails, be sure to prepare yourself some mint simple syrup. You can make this by boiling 1 cup of water and adding in 1 cup of sugar and some mint leaves. Simmer for several minutes until the sugar is dissolved, and voila!
(If you don't want to make more than you'll need, you can just do what I did above and simply mix 4-5 sugar cubes with 1.5 oz of boiling water and two large mint leaves in an espresso cup.)
Kentucky Peach Julep
Ingredients
1 oz Mint Simple Syrup
1 oz Kentucky Bourbon
3/4 oz Peach Flavored Whiskey (I used Bird Dog Peach Flavored Whiskey)
Ice Cubes for Shaking
Crushed Ice for Serving
1 Sprig of Mint
Method
Combine mint simple syrup, bourbon, peach whiskey, and ice cubes in a shaker. Vigorously shake for 10 seconds.
Strain over a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a sprig of mint.
MexiCali Chrome Julep
Ingredients
1 oz Mint Simple Syrup
1 oz Kentucky Bourbon
1/2 oz Mezcal
Ice Cubes for Shaking
Crushed Ice for Serving
1 Sprig of Mint
Method
Combine mint simple syrup, bourbon, mezcal, and ice cubes in a shaker. Vigorously shake for 10 seconds.
Strain over a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a sprig of mint.
