Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprigs and cucumber slices for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Julep cups or highball glasses
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves until they release their juices.
3. Add the bourbon, lime juice, and cooled simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Fill julep cups or highball glasses with crushed ice.
5. Strain the cocktail into the glasses, dividing it evenly.
6. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and a cucumber slice.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
Room temperature
Serving size:
Makes 2 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 10mg
Sugar: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of bourbon, you can use rum or vodka.
- Instead of fresh lime juice, you can use lemon juice.
Variations:
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add more cucumber and mint.
- For a spicy version, add a few slices of jalapeno to the cocktail shaker.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a vegetable peeler to create thin cucumber slices for garnish.
- To make the cocktail extra refreshing, freeze some cucumber slices and use them as ice cubes.
Storage instructions:
This cocktail is best served fresh.
Reheating instructions:
N/A
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cocktail in a julep cup with a metal straw.
- Use a cucumber ribbon to garnish the glass.
Garnishes:
- Mint sprigs
- Cucumber slices
- Lemon or lime wedges
Pairings:
- Southern-style appetizers like fried chicken or pimento cheese.
- Light salads with citrus dressing.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Cornbread
- Coleslaw
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cocktail is too sweet, add more lime juice to balance it out.
- If the cocktail is too strong, add more simple syrup or soda water.
Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and produce before preparing food.
- Use a clean cocktail shaker and glasses.
Food history:
- The mint julep is a classic Southern cocktail that originated in the late 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, refreshing, and slightly herbal.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cocktail with a small plate of cucumber and mint for snacking.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Refreshing, Minty, Herbal, Fruity, Tangy