Who doesn't love a glass of floral, icy mint julep? It's absolutely perfect for this NYC / east coast summer, and really, any summers! This lavender basil julep is a riff on the classic mint julep.
What is a Mint Julep?
The Mint Julep is a bourbon cocktail made with a few ingredients including bourbon, sugar, mint and crushed/shaved ice. It's famously paired with the Kentucky Derby race as bourbon is originated in Kentucky. The cocktail is usually served in a highball glass or the classic sterling silver Julep cup.
Why a Lavender Basil Julep?
Most of the time, I create cocktails based on what I have on the liquor shelf, in the pantry, in the fridge and in the garden. I have A LOT of fresh basil growing in my garden, so I used basil , which gives it off a sweeter and warm woody flavor compared to mint. Adding florals and fruity flavors to my cocktails during the spring / summer seasons is one of my favorites because they are complement each other so well, and I have an opened bottle syrup of lavender syrup, which worked out perfectly. Also, I received quite a few bottles of bourbon from Four Roses and Rabbit Hole last autumn and winter, and I want to make room for new liqueurs and spirits.
Tip: How to get crushed ice?
The cocktail calls for crushed ice because the drink only has one liquid, which is the bourbon, and it's STRONG! Crushed ice melts quicker than an ice cube or a big chunk of ice. As you sip on the cocktail, the ice slowly dilutes the drink in a tasteful manner. If you have a nice fridge that generates crushed ice, then you're all set! But I don't. I usually put a few ice cubes in a Ziplock bag and smash it with the handle of my muddler.
Lavender Basil Julep
Equipment
- jigger
- muddler
- stirrer
- short glass or Julep cup
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rabbit Hole whiskey
- ½ oz lavender syrup
- 8 leaves basil
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Add lavender syrup & basil leaves to the glass.
- Lightly muddle the leaves for 4-5 times.
- Pour in the bourbon.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Stir to let the ice melt and pack in more ice.
- Garnish with a basil sprig and enjoy!
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