Mint Juleps

Mint Juleps:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water 
• Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky*
• Club Soda 
• Mint Sprigs 
• Shaved Ice
• Chilled silver julep cup or Derby glass
  

Make a simple syrup by adding 2 cups sugar to 2 cups boiling water; bring to a simmer and reduce by half. Fill cold julep cusp about 1/4 full of syrup, and bruise a couple of mint leaves in the syrup. Add Maker's Mark and crushed ice (just pulse it in the food processor), and top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig.

*Never argue with a Kentuckian about his/her choice of bourbon. Many folks love Woodford Reserve , while Early Times is the official bourbon of the Race. I'm a Maker's girl, and I'll never be convinced otherwise...