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Lemon-Ginger Mint Julep
Lemon-Ginger Mint Juleps are perfect for the Kentucky Derby, or anytime you're craving a refreshing and easy cocktail recipe!
Servings 1
Calories 161kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lemon wedge see notes
- 8 mint leaves + 1 big sprig for a slapped garnish
- 1/4 - 1/2 oz simple syrup depending on how sweet you want it
- 2 oz bourbon 1/4 cup, Maker's Mark or Bulleit recommended
- Ginger ale Fever Tree recommended
- crushed ice
For the simple syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
For the simple syrup:
- Add sugar and water into a mason jar then microwave for 1 minute. Stir then continue microwaving in 15 second increments until the simple syrup is clear. Refrigerate until cold - can be made up to a couple weeks ahead of time.
For the cocktail:
- Add lemon wedge, mint leaves, and simple syrup to the bottom of a cocktail shaker or a wide-mouth mason jar then use the handle of a wooden spoon to muddle the ingredients just enough - not too much or the mint will turn bitter. Add a couple big handfuls of ice cubes and the bourbon then stir with the wooden handle until very cold.
- Pack a rocks glass (also called a lowball or Old Fashioned glass) with crushed ice then strain the drink inside (I pour the drink through my cocktail shaker's strainer then through a fine mesh sieve.) Top with ginger ale.
- Place the mint sprig garnish in one hand then clap/slap it with your other hand to release its essential oils. Stick the sprig in the drink leaving the leaves above the ice so you can smell them every time you take a drink. I like to let the Ginger-Lemon Mint Juleps sit and dilute for a few minutes before taking a sip. As the crushed ice melts it really changes the flavor of the cocktail!
Nutrition
Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 344IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg