A quick and easy guide to ‘the drink of the Kentucky Derby’ and one of the most refreshing whisky cocktails. With bourbon, fresh mint and a simple sugar syrup, you’re just a few steps away from making this classic at home.
Ingredients
To make the sugar syrup
- 100g/3½oz caster sugar
- 50ml/2fl oz water
To make the cocktail
- handful ice, crushed
- 50ml/2fl oz bourbon whiskey
- 8-10 mint leaves, plus a fresh mint sprig, to garnish
Method
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For the sugar syrup, put the caster sugar in a small non-stick saucepan over a medium heat and pour in the water. Stir and bring to the boil.
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Once the sugar has dissolved and the liquid is clear, take the pan off the heat and leave to cool.
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Pour 10ml/2 teaspoons of the cooled sugar syrup into a julep cup with all the remaining ingredients except the mint sprig.
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Carefully ‘churn’ the ingredients in the cup by stirring from top to bottom. By churning instead of shaking, you enhance the mint flavour.
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Garnish with a little more crushed ice and a big sprig of mint.