Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
  • 3 cups bourbon
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cups crushed ice
  • 10 sprigs fresh mint
  • 10 lemon wheels

Instructions:

  1. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid is clear.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the packed mint leaves. Let the mixture steep for at least 2 hours until fragrant and pale green.
  3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar and chill.
  4. Pour the chilled mint syrup into a pitcher. Add the bourbon and optional lemon juice. Stir slowly with a long spoon until the mixture is a uniform amber color.
  5. Fill each glass to the brim with crushed ice. Pour approximately 4-5 oz of the pitcher mix over the ice.
  6. Stir briefly to ensure the drink is ice-cold, then top with an extra scoop of crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel.