I was honored to have been recruited by Maker’s Mark to participate in their first-ever #JulepOff! The challenge: remix the Kentucky Derby classic, the Mint Julep.
Maker’s Mark Mint Julep
Their traditional julep is as follows:
1.5 parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons simple syrup
Distilled water
Powdered sugar
Muddle mint and simple syrup. Mix with Maker’s Mark and distilled water. Fill a julep cup with crushed ice and pour the mixture over the top of the ice. Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the ice and garnish the drink with a mint sprig.
While delicious, I think we can do better here at Susie Drinks Dallas! Presenting the Run for the Roses Julep! We decided that rosewater would give the traditional julep unique flavor … and it looks sexy as hell.
Run for the Roses Julep
~12 fresh mint leaves (stemmed)
5 drops rosewater
1 oz simple syrup
2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Crushed or shaved ice
Rose petals
Mint sprig
Powdered Sugar
Julep cup
Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup. (Don’t overmuddle or you’ll be sad.) Add the bourbon and rosewater, stir lightly. Fill a julep cup with shaved or crushed ice then pour the mixture over the ice. Garnish with a rose petal and mint sprig. Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the drink.
Want to up the ante? How about some Mint Julep Jelly Shots!?
2 packets unflavored gelatin
2 C chilled water
1/2 C mint leaves (fresh is best)
1/2 C granulated sugar
3/4 C Maker’s Mark bourbon
Mint sprigs
Put gelatin into cold water in a saucepan then let sit for about 5 minutes. Add the mint leaves and sugar, then heat over medium heat for about 4 minutes, then turn the heat off and let sit for 15 minutes. Strain and then stir in the Maker’s Mark. Pour into shot glasses then refrigerate for at least 5 hours.
I’d greatly appreciate your support in the #JulepOff! Please visit the Maker’s Mark Pinterest starting 4/23 and REPIN my recipe! I have until May 1 to get as many REPINS as possible.
(Please only repin it once per account.)
Roses not your thing? Some other recipes I came up with are below!
Lavender Mint Julep
~12 fresh mint leaves (stemmed)
1 oz lavender syrup
2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Crushed or shaved ice
Lavender
Mint sprig
Powdered Sugar
Julep cup
Muddle the mint leaves and lavender simple syrup. (Don’t overmuddle or you’ll be sad.) Add the bourbon, stir lightly. Fill a julep cup with shaved or crushed ice then pour the mixture over the ice. Garnish with a lavender stem and mint sprig.
Mile High Julep
6-8 min leaves
1 3/4 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1/2 oz Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur
1/2 oz ginger syrup
1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
Mint sprig
Combine ingredients in a julep cup and lightly muddle. Add crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
