Orange Blossom Julep
Is it just me, or do you feel like the Kentucky Derby was last weekend? But today is Derby Day , and that means Juleps are the cocktail of choice this weekend. Contrary to what my friends and family think, I love a simple cocktail as much as I like a fussy one. Mint Juleps are easy and taste soo good.
For this year I wanted to add a Melanin Twist to my Julep, and so I did. Orange blossom water and mint are a wonderful combination. Truly. I love a summer citrus salad with a light vinaigrette and mint leaves. The combo just works!
A proper Julep cup does wonders, but I wanted you to see how bruised mint appears in the cup. Still tastes delicious.
Juleps are not fussy to make; however, you do need fresh mint. If you don’t have it, go get it. It is table stakes and nothing else will work. Now, allow me to share a few pointers to save you time and you can enjoy your cocktail more quickly:
Go big with the bourbon, I went with a 114 proof. I probably could have gone lower; but I like Juleps and it’s been a week!
The first step in the process is to add mint leaves to the bottom of your glass. Bruise them with a muddler. If you have bits of mint in your straw you’ve pummeled them, not bruised. You want to release the mint oil, not have bits of the leaf in your teeth.
The orange blossom water is the sweetener. Start with a light hand, you can always add more. I went really light in my recipe because a little goes along way and really, I want a Julep, not a new cocktail – mint should be the forward scent and taste.
That’s it really. The combination of the orange and mint is going to be a summer favorite of mine.
Cheers,
~Kimberly Elise
#2BrownGirls
#MelaninTwist
#BlackGirlMagic
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