Bourbon Julep for 12 Servings

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the packed mint leaves. Let the mixture steep for 15–20 minutes.
3. Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar, pressing on the leaves to extract all the oils. Discard the leaves.
4. Refrigerate the syrup until completely cold (approximately 2 hours).
5. Pour the chilled bourbon and the mint-infused syrup into a large glass pitcher.
6. Stir gently for 30 seconds to ensure the syrup is fully incorporated into the bourbon.
7. Stir in the lemon juice to add brightness and a professional zing.
8. Fill individual rocks glasses or silver julep cups to the brim with crushed ice.
9. Pour the batch mix over the ice until the glass is full.
10. Add a final scoop of crushed ice to create a snow cone effect on top. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel.