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Emeril’s Mint Julep

Did You Know?
The Mint Julep became the signature drink of The Kentucky Derby in 1938 when the popular serving glasses began disappearing from the tables at the racetrack. Realizing what a popular souvenir they were, track management began charging 25 cents extra for customers that wanted to keep their glass.

By 1966, production of the collectible glasses rose to 250,000 from less than 100,000 in 1952. Today, the production run stands at 700,000, according to the The Kentucky Derby Museum.

Emeril’s Mint Julep

6-8 spearmint leaves
1 tablespoon simple syrup, (equal amounts water and sugar, heated until sugar melts), cooled
Crushed ice
2 ounces bourbon
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
Sprig of mint for garnish

Put mint leaves and syrup in bottom of tall glass. With handle of wooden spoon, crush and mash leaves to extract flavor. Fill glass with crushed ice. Pour in bourbon and Grand Marnier. With long-handled spoon, jiggle (don’t stir) to chill and mix. Garnish with sprig of mint. Sip.

Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse.