2oz Bourbon, Fresh Spearmint Leaves, 1/2 oz Simple Syrup, Crushed Ice
Lightly muddle 5 mint leaves in the bottom of old fashioned glass with simple syrup. Top with crushed ice and pour the bourbon over the top.  Finish with a spanked mint sprig and straw, and wonder why everyone is so GA-GA over this drink.

The key to making a great cocktail at home is the same as making great food: high-quality ingredients, precise proportions, and adapting to your own tastes.  With a mint julep, you need fresh spearmint which has a brightness, sweetness, and green floral note that adds complexity to the drink.  An easy trick to enhance the Mint Julep is to make your own mint-infused simple syrup the night before.  Combine 1 part sugar to 1 part water, just off the boil, with a handful of mint leaves in a mason jar.  Stir to dissolve the sugar, add a splash of vodka or white rum for preservation. Let it cool overnight in the fridge.  The syrup is great for mojitos, margaritas, and gimlets as well.

Combine your fresh mint simple syrup with a high-quality bourbon for the best cocktail.  Our picks are Woodford Reserve ($29.99/750mL), Old Forester Signature ($24.99/750mL), Evan Williams Single Barrel ($25.99/750mL), Wild Turkey 101 ($22.99/ 750mL), or Makers Mark Cask Strength (SALE $19.99/ reg. $29.99/ 375mL) if you like your drink extra strong.  Read Whisky Advocate’s history and tips on the mint julep if you’re interested!