At the risk of getting ahead of myself, I have to tell you about these.
Every year as May approaches, I wrestle with choosing between two favorite adult beverages: margaritas and bourbon (or really, anything made with bourbon). But why choose when you can have both?
Whoever scheduled the Kentucky Derby near Cinco de Mayo clearly didn’t consider the late-night college experiments that mixed tequila and bourbon. Or maybe they did.
The first weekend in May is one of my favorites. My husband is obsessed with the Kentucky Derby and horse racing—if you’ve read along for a while, you already know that. I still remember my first mint julep: it was so strong it stung my nose and eyes, but it was delicious and nearly knocked me out after a few sips. Traditionally, a mint julep is just bourbon, mint and syrup, but I’m not above bending the rules and adding fruit.
The secret to this cocktail is crushed ice—you really must try it that way. I don’t have a fridge that crushes ice, so I just threw ice cubes into my blender. A basic Ninja from Target worked well enough; no need for a Vitamix. I’ve started treating mint juleps a bit like mojitos: the base is excellent but variations are endless. Adding blueberries brightens the drink and balances the bourbon and mint beautifully.
I made this weeks ago and debated whether it was too early to start celebrating big hats and pretty horses, but it was perfect for a Monday cocktail—and it will be perfect any Friday you need a special drink. Want to make one?
Blueberry Mint Juleps
1 serving, is easily multiplied
10 mins
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Ingredients
- 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce mint simple syrup
- 1 ounce mint blueberry puree
- crushed ice
- fresh mint leaves
Mint Simple Syrup
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 bunch mint leaves
Blueberry Mint Puree
- 2/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons mint simple syrup
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, mint simple syrup and mint blueberry puree in a shaker or mixing glass and stir or shake well. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with extra mint leaves.
Mint Simple Syrup
- Combine sugar, mint and water in a small saucepan and heat until boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer about a minute. Cool completely and remove the mint. Store in the fridge if making ahead.
Blueberry Mint Puree
- In a mini food processor or blender, puree the blueberries with the mint simple syrup until smooth.
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Now the real question is: can I wait until noon?