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A Medley of Mint for Mojitos and Juleps!

IMG_8491Photo is Kentucky Colonel Spearmint

When Ron Wilson and I chat about the proper mint for Mint Juleps it’s a given that spearmint is really the gold standard. OK I do prefer peppermint since that’s what I grew up with, but spearmint adds a sweeter mint flavor than peppermint especially for juleps.

Here’s a couple of nice recipes for that Derby Day Party. Mojitos and, of course, Mint Juleps!
Good Mojitos
Ingredients
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 5 mint leaves – try Mojito mint!
  • ice cubes
  • 2 ounces white rum
  • 4 ounces soda water
  • 1 lime wedge
  • Instructions
  • Muddle the lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves together in the bottom of a cocktail glass until the mint has broken down a bit, about 1 minute. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Add the rum and soda water over the ice. Pour the mixture back and forth from from the glass to another glass to mix. Garnish with the lime wedge and enjoy.

Kentucky Derby style mint julep

Here’s my home made version of this famous drink. First you have to make a spearmint simple syrup.

Mint simple syrup

Good in other drinks, or stirred into fresh fruit.

Ingredients

1 cup each sugar and water

1 packed cup spearmint leaves or more to taste, smooshed with wooden spoon to release volatile oils

Instructions

Bring sugar and water to a boil. Pour over mint which you’ve placed in a heat proof jar. Cover, refrigerate overnight and strain. Keeps a month refrigerated.

Make a mint julep

Ideally, the ice will start melting, creating a memorable drink.

Fill a julep cup or 12 oz. glass with crushed ice.

Add up to 3 oz. Kentucky bourbon 

Stir in 2 tablespoons or more of mint simple syrup

Stir until very well mixed. Garnish with mint sprig and insert straw. IMG_8491

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