Many claim that the preparation of this complicated drink is a skill that must be practiced to be perfected. In New Orleans, you’ll be hard pressed to find a craft bartender who doesn’t have the original julep with fresh mint leaves down pat. It’s a great choice for a hot Southern night, whether you drink it out of a go cup or a sterling silver tumbler, coated with frost.
Muddle the mint, the sugar and the water in a cup. Add the bourbon and stir gently. Fill a glass to the top with finely crushed ice, add the julep mix and garnish with mint. (An ounce of mint simple syrup can be substituted for the mint/sugar/water mixture.)