I have tried several recipes and I found that I like making a mint syrup first. They say a Yankee ca not make one properly. Since I am a Yankee, you be the judge!
These drinks appear to be a most innocuous concoction, but has a potent kick, as anyone who has tasted it for the first time can testify. The drink should be sipped slowly and not tossed off at a gulp! When to actually add mint leaves into the Julep drink is debated by Southerners. Arguments rage over its proper usage, some voting for muddling the leaves with water and sugar, others for infusing them in the syrup, and a third faction maintaining that a sprig as garnish should suffice.
Prepare the Mint Syrup (see recipe below).
Crush or muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-ounce Mint Julep Cup (using the back of a spoon to crush mint leaves) until mixture forms a paste.
Then fill the Mint Julep Cup 1/2 full with crushed or shaved ice. Add prepared Mint Syrup, water, and bourbon. Stir until the silver cup is frosted on the outside. NOTE: A glass tumbler will not frost on the outside.
To serve, garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes, without stirring.
Remove from heat an pour over a handful of mint leaves and gently crush the mint with a spoon.
Refrigerator syrup mixture overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves and continue to refrigerate. This syrup mixture will keep for several weeks.
Makes enough syrup for approximately 8 servings.
Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/beverage/mintjulep.htm