It’s Kentucky Derby Day and you know what that means?  Mint juleps in classic silver cups! And a mint julep is not a mint julep unless it is made with crushed ice. 

Don’t have crushed ice at home? This classic Lewis Bag and mallet will solve that problem. Simply fill the canvas bag with ice cubes from your freezer icemaker and hammer away. (It’s a great stress reliever, too!)

To make a mint julep: 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz bourbon

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• 4 mint leaves

• sprig of mint, for garnish

Instructions

Bruise (slightly muddle) the mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup with simple syrup.  Fill the cup three quarters of the way with crushed ice and add half of the bourbon. Stir to chill the julep cup. Top off with more crushed ice and the remaining bourbon. Continue to stir until the outside of the cup looks frosty. Garnish with the mint sprig. 

You can find some fun twists on the julep in this great roundup from Town & Country. 

Cheers!