Mint Julep

Directions

1. 1
   In a saucepan combine the sugar and 3/4 cup water and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. 2
   Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the chopped mint, and let the mixture stand for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours.
3. 3
   Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a jar or small bowl, pressing hard on the solids, discard the solids, and let the syrup cool.
4. 4
   The syrup may be made 2 weeks in advance and kept covered and chilled.
5. 5
   (The syrup will darken but this will not affect the taste.)
6. 6
   For each julep fill a silver julep cup or 10-ounce glass with some of the ice, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mint syrup, or to taste, and 1 1/2 ounces bourbon, and stir the julep or holding the cup at the rim rotate it back and forth very rapidly.
7. 7
   (A frost will form on the outside of a silver cup.)
8. 8
   Garnish each julep with 1 of the additional mint sprigs.