chocolate mint juleps

It’s the Kentucky Derby today!!!!

So of course I had to make us a mint julep. The signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. And I had to use these cute silver cups that are just like the signature Derby cups they use. Also, on a sidenote, I rambled on about the Kentucky Derby in my what up Wednesday post. Mentioning that my dear friend Ricky will bet on the horses for us and asks me to pick one. And lo and behold, several hours later on Wednesday, Ricky text me and asked me to look at the line up of horses and pick my favorite. It’s exciting. I can’t help myself. I picked Exaggerator and Ricky picked Nyquist. Just in case you were wondering.

I’m kind of ashamed to admit that I’ve never had a mint julep before. Read about them, seen them, watched tutorials on how some people make them. One thing I learned is that they are very strong. And my version ain’t no different honey. Oh my Oh my. I hear they cost a pretty penny at the Derby too. Let me tell you, one is all you’ll need.

Every year in the spring, especially for Mother’s Day, I go to this little off the beaten path greenhouse that sells amazing herbs. And flowers and vegetables too. But I go there for the crazy scents and flavors of their herb. Their chocolate mint and pineapple mint are my all time favorites! They have Italian oregano, greek oregano, lemon thyme, orange mint, ginger mint, tricolor sage-which is really pretty- several different kinds of basil, and the geraniums….Strawberry scented, ginger scented, and citronella scented to keep away mosquitos. This is to just name a few. I could go on and on. The chocolate mint is what inspired this mint julep.

Chocolate mint julep
3oz bourbon
4 tsp water
4 tsp confectioners sugar
3 sprigs of chocolate mint +1 for garnish
crushed ice
Place bourbon, water, confectioners sugar, and 3 sprigs of mint in a shaker with a small amount of ice. Shake for at least a minute. Or more if your arm isn’t too tired. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of chocolate mint.

I really want a big hat to wear while I sip my chocolate mint julep. Maybe next year…..