As winter’s chill starts to dissipate and spring or summer arrives, I delight in crafting this effortless yet delectable frozen mint julep. The combination of bourbon and mint simple syrup makes for a refreshing and sweet concoction that’s become a beloved classic. In fact, this slushie is a spin on the iconic Kentucky Derby Day drink, with mint simple syrup and bourbon served over ice and finished with a sprig of fresh mint.
How to Make a Mint Julep Slushie
To create the foundation for your flavored simple syrup, combine sugar, water, and fresh mint in a pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely. Once dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This basic process can be adapted to produce a wide range of flavors by simply adding different ingredients to the mixture. For instance, you might want to try making a lavender simple syrup – it’s surprisingly delicious in both vodka martinis and lattes! Once your mint simple syrup has cooled, you can proceed with the recipe. Combine some of the syrup with ice and bourbon in a blender, blending until a slushy texture is achieved. Finally, garnish your easy frozen mint julep with a fresh mint sprig and enjoy!
More Uses for Homemade Simply Syrup
While the recipe only requires half the amount of mint syrup, rest assured it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days. This versatile ingredient has numerous uses beyond sweetening refreshing summer drinks like iced coffee, lemonade, or tea. You can also add a splash to Jell-O or sorbet for an instant flavor boost or drizzle it over a fruit salad for a touch of minty freshness. Moreover, feel free to use this syrup as the base for another batch of easy frozen mint juleps, perfect for hot summer days and social gatherings alike.
The Classic Kentucky Derby Day Drink
Mint juleps have been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938. This iconic cocktail remains a crowd-pleaser to this day, often served in specially designed collectible glasses. What’s more, Churchill Downs has taken the luxury experience to new heights by offering premium juleps for $1000 each. These exclusive drinks come packaged in gold-plated goblets with silver straws and feature top-shelf ingredients like Woodford Reserve bourbon, spring water ice from the Bavarian Alps, fresh mint imported from Ireland, and Australian sugar. While this ultra-luxurious offering may appeal to some, it’s certainly not for everyone. For a more accessible and affordable option, consider whipping up an easy frozen mint julep instead!
Mint Julep FAQs
A julep is a bourbon-based cocktail with a rich history in the Southern United States, often associated with Kentucky’s famous derby day celebrations. The classic recipe combines bourbon, sugar, water, fresh mint, and ice to create a refreshing and cooling drink that’s perfect for warm weather. One of the most iconic aspects of serving a julep is the glassware – traditionally, this cocktail was served in pewter or silver cups with fluted edges to facilitate the formation of frost on the surface. While modern glasses like highball, Collins, or old-fashioned styles are more commonly used today, some enthusiasts still opt for antique glasses to recreate an authentic experience. For a unique twist, stainless steel mint julep cups offer a modern take on traditional metalware, keeping drinks at the perfect temperature and providing a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
Easy Frozen Mint Julep Slushie Recipe
Easy Frozen Mint Julep Slushie
As the last wisps of winter fade away, I find myself craving the refreshing taste of a frozen mint julep. This sweet and revitalizing cocktail, made with bourbon and mint simple syrup, is a staple of Kentucky derby day celebrations, but its appeal goes far beyond just one special occasion. With a prep time of just 5 minutes, a cook time of 2 minutes, and a total time of 7 minutes, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings with friends and family. Whether you’re serving it to 4 people or more, this frozen mint julep is sure to be a hit.
Instructions
To craft the perfect mint simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small pot over medium heat. Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the mixture and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and strain the syrup into a jar, allowing it to cool completely before use. For the frozen mint julep, combine the cooled simple syrup with bourbon and ice in a blender. Process the mixture until smooth, then pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint sprigs for a refreshing and festive touch.
Notes
When preparing the syrup, consider making a larger batch and storing it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows you to easily double or triple the recipe as needed, ensuring you have a sufficient supply of this delightful concoction for future gatherings or spontaneous cocktail sessions. The syrup’s refreshing qualities make it an ideal choice for sipping on warm summer days.