Mint Julips

Mint Julep

A 10-ounce glass filled with crushed ice
4 fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons mint simple syrup (recipe below)
Ginger Ale (in place of the KY bourbon of course)
1 small cocktail straw to stir drink

Place 2 tablespoons of mint simple syrup and a tall spring of mint into a 10-ounce glass. Press the mint leaves into the glass using the back of a spoon to release the flavor. Fill the glass with crushed ice, and add ginger ale.

Mint Simple Syrup

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
8 sprigs of fresh mint
Add sugar to boiling water. Continue to boil for about five minutes, or until sugar dissolves; do not stir.
Place 8 sprigs of mint in an airtight, plastic container, and pour the sugar-and-water mixture over the mint. Refrigerate.

When we were living in KY we bought a bunch of these souvenir mint julip glasses. I fondly remember the derby parties that we used to have with our ward. We made "mormon mint julips" and wore our derby hats and had a great time. I always thought I'd have a KY derby party every year after we graduated and moved back to Utah, but it hasn't happened yet. I have made these mint julips many times though!

I grow mint in my herb garden on the side of the house for this very purpose!