Emeril's Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 2 cups bottled water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups loosely packed fresh mint leaves
• 2 cups bourbon
• fresh mint sprig (to garnish)

Directions

1. 1

   Combine the water and sugar in a large non-reactive saucepan over medium heat and stir to dissolve the sugar.

2. 2

   Add the mint and bring to a boil.

3. 3

   Remove from the heat, cover and steep for 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Strain the mint syrup through a strainer lined with several thicknesses of cheesecloth then cool.

5. 5

   Combine the cooled mint syrup with the bourbon and pour into a sterilized bottle.

6. 6

   Wait at least one month before drinking.

7. 7

   To serve, fill a julep cup or Collins glass with clear, crushed ice and fill with the mint julep mixture. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.