Maker’s Mark Mint Julep – Fine Kentucky Bourbon
The famous Kentucky Derby is fast approaching and will be held on May 1st. The Kentucky Derby is the first jewel of the highly coveted Triple Crown.
As the race nears, it’s time to celebrate a quintessential American experience. It’s the best and most exciting two minutes of sports anywhere. So whether you celebrate the Kentucky Derby in your seersucker suit or finest Sunday dress and hat.
Even if you are not from Kentucky or often called the “Blue Grass state”, celebrate the horse racing tradition in fine Derby fashion with a Maker’s Mark Mint Julep!
Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest bourbons. The company’s bourbon is made from soft red winter wheat, instead of rye.
Maker’s Mark bourbon features a smooth flavor that makes it picture perfect for mixing delicious cocktails.
Here’s a recipe to make your own Maker’s Mark Mint Julep cocktail.
“The Perfect Mint Julep”
(Serves 4 to 6 people)
Ingredients:
1L Maker’s Mark
Lots of fresh spearmint
Distilled water
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar
1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 parts of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.
2. To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
3. To prepare the Mint Julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bowl.
4. Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.
5. When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.
6. To serve the Mint Julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver Mint Julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint, and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
7. When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Then serve.
For additional information, please go to: Maker’s Mark
