Mint Julep for 12 Servings

Instructions:

1. Combine granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear. Note: Don't let it boil over, just dissolve the crystals.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat immediately and stir in the packed mint leaves. Let the mixture steep for 20 minutes. Note: Steeping off heat prevents the mint from tasting like cooked tea.
3. Strain the mint leaves out using a fine mesh strainer and place the syrup in the refrigerator to chill.
4. In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup of the chilled mint syrup with 3 cups of bourbon, stirring gently until fully integrated.
5. Refrigerate the bourbon mixture for at least 2 hours before serving. Note: This is the most important step for preventing dilution.
6. Fill glasses to the brim with crushed ice and pour the pre chilled batch mixture over the ice.
7. Stir briefly with a bar spoon until a frost layer forms on the outside of the glass.
8. Top with a final scoop of crushed ice.
9. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, slapping it against your hand first to release the aroma.