Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
  • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 tbsp homemade mint simple syrup
  • 1 tsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 cups crushed ice
  • Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar crystals completely dissolve.
  2. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the packed mint leaves. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes until the syrup becomes a pale, translucent green.
  3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar and chill.
  4. Place 10-12 fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup, copper mug, or rocks glass.
  5. Add the lime juice and 2 tablespoons of the chilled mint syrup. Use a muddler to gently press down on the leaves 3-4 times to bruise them without tearing.
  6. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice and stir vigorously with a long spoon to integrate the mint mixture.
  7. Fill the remainder of the glass to the brim with more crushed ice, creating a snowy mound on top.
  8. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig that has been slapped against the back of your hand to awaken the aroma.