ENJOY this version of the Mint Julep from Garden and Gun Magazine! It looks divine. Here in the South, the mint julep is one popular refreshment.
Mint Julep
Concord Grape Mint Julep
(Serves 4)
8 oz. bourbon
4 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed
4 oz. mint simple syrup*
4 oz. Concord grape reduction**
4 cups ice
Mint sprigs, for garnish
Blend all ingredients in blender until ice is broken up and drink is uniformly smooth. Serve with a small bouquet of fresh mint sprigs.
*Mint Simple Syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 bunch mint
Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, add whole mint sprigs, and simmer for ten minutes. Strain and cool.
**Concord Grape Reduction
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
3 cloves
1⁄2 tsp. black peppercorn
1⁄2 tsp. white peppercorn
1⁄4 tsp. anise seed
1 quart Concord grapes
1⁄2 cup water
Make a sachet with all dry ingredients. Simmer sachet, grapes, and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat until grapes are broken down and soft (about 45 minutes), gradually adding more water if needed. Remove sachet, and strain the reduction to remove seeds. Cool uncovered in the refrigerator. Reduction may be kept refrigerated for up to a week and works great with many other applications (pork, duck, cheesecake, gelato, etc.).
I hope that you enjoy this recipe. let me know what you think :).
Now on to Embracing Etiquette with Teresa...
Rudeness in Disguise
Rudeness that comes clothed in kid gloves. “Love that new haircut. You look so much better with short hair!” They could say something like: “You look so much better after your weight loss. I wanted to tell you that you had become too heavy, but I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” Trust me, they were being rude!
Tomorrow we will cover Unwitting Rudeness.
See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo