Smith Family Weblog

Ever since Bryan and I visited Louisville, Kentucky, for our friends’ wedding, I’ve been completely enamored with the area. My two favorite stops were Churchill Downs and the Maker’s Mark distillery. Fortunately, the Kentucky Derby presents an opportunity to celebrate both—with a drink, of course. What could be better?

Here’s my favorite recipe for mint juleps. There are thousands out there, but I prefer one that muddle the leaves instead of boiling them into simple syrup. Maybe you can stir up a batch before the race this afternoon.

Here’s all you need–sugar (preferably superfine, but you can spin regular sugar in your blender or food processor if you don’t have it on hand), mint and bourbon (I like Maker’s; Bry loves Wild Turkey).

Pour a teaspoon of sugar into a glass and add six mint leaves and a couple of teaspoons of water, then smash it all together with the back of a spoon. Traditionally, mint juleps are served in cold silver cups, but who has those on hand? I found this glass worked pretty well.

Then, fill the glass with crushed ice and top with a shot of bourbon and sprig of mint. Cheers!