If you're like me, mint julep does not evoke much Christmas sentiment. Quite the opposite, in fact: warm days, breezy nights, sweet southern drawls and the Kentucky Derby. Regardless, I find the mint and bourbon combination irresistible any time of year and was determined to find a way to make it festively acceptable. I had a bag of miniature candy canes lying around and the idea hit me like a ton a bricks - what a simple solution.
This week's Gezellig Hour is a fun twist on an old classic and a clever way to masquerade a summertime favorite in some holiday cheer (this works great with mojitos, too!). The candy cane doesn't alter the flavor much but certainly makes it more fun! Proost!
Ingredients (for one)
2 miniature candy canes, 1 crushed and 1 for garnish
2 tsp sugar
Juice of 1/2 a lime
2 oz bourbon
4 oz lemon-lime soda
6 mint leaves
Sprig of mint of garnish
Lime wedge for garnish
Ice
Instructions:
Muddle the crushed candy candy cane, lime juice, mint and sugar in the bottom of a glass until mint leaves begin to break down and the candy bits and sugar are dissolved. Add bourbon, soda and ice and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint, lime wedge and candy cane.
