Chocolate Mint Julep
Makes 1 Cocktail
Ingredients
- 10 (6-inch) stalks fresh chocolate mint, divided
- 2.5 ounces good bourbon whiskey (we prefer Woodford Reserve)
- 1/2 ounce Mint Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
- Cocoa powder, for garnish
- 4 fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Fill a julep cup with crushed ice and strain the mixture over the ice. Top with more crushed ice, and garnish with a pinch of cocoa powder and 4 slapped sprigs of chocolate mint. (Slapping the mint across your hand releases the oil and fragrance of the herb.)
Mint Simple Syrup
Makes 1.75 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 (6-inch) stalks fresh mint
Chocolate Mint Julep
Chocolate mint is a wonderfully fragrant and delicious herb that can be used in a wide variety of applications without overpowering the experience. While the mint julep is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby and spring in the South, this cocktail is also enjoyable during the colder months! You can substitute other mint flavors and herbs for any occasion, such as pineapple mint in the summer.
Chocolate Mint Julep
Directions
Remove the leaves from 6 of the chocolate mint stalks and add to shaker. Muddle well, using the back of a wooden or bar spoon. Add the bourbon and Mint Simple Syrup, stir, and set aside.
Mint Simple Syrup
Directions
Combine 1.75 cups water with sugar and mint in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a container. Remove the mint stalks and leaves and discard. Let the syrup cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.