Mint Julep

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse mint prior to chopping.
2. 2
   Reserve 8 sprigs for garnishing, roughly chop the rest.
3. 3
   In a small sauce pan, combine water, sugar, and chopped mint.
4. 4
   Bring to a moderate boil and reduce by a third.
5. 5
   Allow syrup to cool.
6. 6
   Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves.
7. 7
   This can be made several days ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.
8. 8
   Fill eight frozen, silver julep cups* with shaved ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and approximately 1/4 cup mint syrup depending ones desired sweetness.
9. 9
   Cut a straw so it reaches about one inch over the rim of the cup.
10. 10
    This allows imbibers to take in the minty aromas.
11. 11
    Garnish with a mint sprig.
12. 12
    Serve immediately.