Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 tbsp simple syrup
  • 10 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 cups crushed ice
  • 1 fresh mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Place the mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of the chilled julep cup. Use a muddler to gently press the leaves to release aromatic oils without grinding them.
  2. Pour in the bourbon and stir briefly to integrate the syrup and mint oils.
  3. Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice and stir vigorously with a bar spoon until the sides of the metal cup begin to frost.
  4. Mound the remaining crushed ice on top, creating a snowy dome that rises above the rim of the glass.
  5. Slap a fresh mint sprig against the back of your hand to wake up the oils, and tuck it deep into the ice as a garnish.