With the Kentucky Derby this weekend, it seems the appropriate time to share this recipe. Earlier this spring when I was visiting my mom, she showed me this recipe.
You see, my husband likes Whiskey Sours, and my mom likes to play with recipes — especially for making things that are often prepackaged, like mixes. When she saw this recipe in Bon Appetit, she thought it would be fun to make and also that Jason might like it as it has that same sort of sweet-and-sour idea as the Whiskey Sour.
Note: If you are planning a Derby party, you might want to make the syrup a day ahead so it will be cool and ready to use.
Orange Mint Julep
Makes 4
Zest from 1 orange (removed in strips with a vegetable peeler)
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
½ orange, cut into 4 pieces
1 bunch mint
Orange bitters
8 ounces bourbon
Crushed ice
To make the syrup: Bring zest, sugar, and water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let cool; cover and chill at least 2 hours. Strain syrup into a small jar or bowl.
For each cocktail, muddle 1 piece of orange, a small handful of mint sprigs, 1 oz. orange syrup, and a few dashes of orange bitters in a double Old Fashioned glass or a julep cup. Add 2 oz. bourbon and stir to combine. Fill glass with crushed ice and garnish with more mint.
Thyme with Sage 