Drink of the Day: Rose Mint Julep

April 30, 2010 10:53 am

With the annual Kentucky Derby coming up tomorrow, we all have excuses to indulge in some down home Southern cooking, and of course, cocktails. Those at the race tracks in Louisville will probably be sipping classic mint juleps in pewter cups, but we thought we'd put a Southern ladylike twist on our version by sweetening it up with rosewater-infused simple syrup. Technique: Remember, this isn't a mojito, so don't muddle the mint (it should just be infused in the simple syrup).

Break out your Sunday hats, best Kentucky bourbon and get ready to watch the action at Churchill Downs with a Rose Mint Julep.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp. water
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. rosewater
20 mint leaves
3 oz. bourbon

PREPARATION:
1. In a small sauce pan, prepare simple syrup by heating water, sugar, rosewater and mint leaves until sugar dissolves. Remove pan from heat and let cool.

2. Once simple syrup has cooled, place it in a shaker filled with ice and bourbon. Shake vigorously.

3. Pour drink over a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with mint sprig and rose petals.