While mint juleps are traditionally all the rage during the Kentucky Derby, I have a new elixir for you that's just what the doctor ordered. It's smashing good, extremely refreshing and will have you acting like a fine southern gentlemen or lady in no time. It's really not too far off from a mint julep, but the addition of the lemon makes a world of difference. Grab a bottle of your favorite bourbon, a few lemons, some fresh mint from the garden (or grocery store, if that's how you roll) and crush up some ice. The best way to do the crushed ice is fill a gallon ziplock bag with a bunch of cubes, and use the back of a ice cream scoop to smash the cubes into little jagged pieces.
Whiskey Smash
3 lemon pieces (cut a lemon in half and then quarter one of the halves, use three of the quarters for one drink)
5 mint leaves
1 ounce simple syrup
Splash of club soda
2 ounces bourbon
1 mint sprig for garnish
Muddle the lemon pieces, mint leaves, simple syrup and club soda in the bottom of a shaker glass. Add the bourbon and stir with with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled halfway with crushed ice. Top off with a little more crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
Do you have plans to pull out a floppy hat and watch the Derby this weekend? Tell me where you're watching. Obviously, I only pick my horses by the cleverness of their names...
I miss that Elmer T. Lee in the background :( boo hoo
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