Mint Julep with a Bit of Lime

It turns out that the Julep is a family of drinks that combine mint, sugar and ice with any spirit you’re choosing. That all being said, bourbon has come out as the front runner and the liquor of choice associated with this classic Southern cocktail.

Historically the key to making a first rate julep is all about extracting the right amount of oils from the mint by gently muddling it with coarse sugar. This works quite well but can be messy and time consuming especially if you’re entertaining. In my humble opinion there is no better way around that than by creating a simple syrup that is infused with fresh mint via sous vide. You get all the flavor and essential oils with none of the mess or work!

I have taken the liberty of adding fresh lime zest to the simple syrup and a squeeze of fresh juice at the finish to balance out the robust smoky bourbon and the sweetness of the mint syrup. I always feel there is room for a bit of fresh citrus in a cocktail but that is obviously my own preference, feel free to omit if you feel otherwise.

Through the miracle of vacuum packing you can make the simple syrup days in advance, for that matter you can make the entire cocktail ahead of time and simply pour over ice when you’re ready. It’s like I always say, better living through technology!

For the Mint infused Simple Syrup:

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon lime zest, fresh

2 cups mint, fresh

For the Mint Julep:

As needed ice

As needed mint sprigs, fresh, for garnish

1 ounce Mint Infused Simple Syrup, or to taste

As needed soda water

2 1/2 ounces Kentucky bourbon whiskey, or to taste

As needed limes wedges

Directions:

1. Preheat the VacMaster SV1 to 131ºF / 55ºC

2. For the Mint Infused Simple Syrup:

3. Using the VacMaster Bag Filler and an appropriate sized VacMaster bag add the water, sugar, lime zest and mint.

4. Using a VacMaster chamber machine vacuum seal the mixture.

5. Place the bag into the water bath of the SV1 and cook 1 1/2 to 2 hours

6. Remove the bag from the bath and strain the simple syrup into a suitable container, let cool and reserve

For the Mint Julep:

7. Fill a rocks glass or similar 3/4’s of the way with ice

8. Gently crush a mint sprig in your hand and push into in the bottom of the glass

9. Add the Mint Infused Simple syrup

10. Add a splash of the soda water and follow with the bourbon.

11. Top with another splash of seltzer, stir, and garnish with another sprig of mint

12. Squeeze in a bit of lime juice

13. Give it all a bit of a stir and serve immediately.