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Health & Fitness

Enjoy a Great American Spirit This Fourth of July!

The Mint Julep is one drink in particular that benefits from Bourbon's American character.

It’s the time of the year to celebrate all things American: Mom, apple pie, Old Glory, and Predator drone attacks. It’s also a great weekend to be festive with friends.  In addition to the traditional grilled offerings, it’s fun to feature Fourth of July-themed drinks. You could go for the red, white, and blue (Cape Cod, Ramos Fizz, and Blue Hawaiian are good candidates). But, I suggest celebrating the Spirit of America with a genuine American spirit - Bourbon.

Legally defined as a whiskey distilled from at least 51 percent corn and aged in new oak barrels, it must be distilled in the United States. Of course, Kentucky Bourbon is a style unique to the Bluegrass State and must be distilled in the Commonwealth to earn the label. It’s not a spirit that’s widely consumed on the West Coast, in spite of the Wild Turkey shots enthusiastically dolled out from time to time.  However, Bourbon can be a very enjoyable spirit and adds a great deal of character when properly mixed.

The Mint Julep is one drink in particular that benefits from Bourbon’s American character. Most closely associated with the Kentucky Derby, it’s a surprisingly  refreshing drink that fits well with summer’s greatest holiday. However, traditional recipes are time consuming, with some requiring a full day’s preparation to cook up a special simple syrup made from mint. This streamlined, 30-Second Bartender version is pretty much the same recipe I use for a Mojito, just with bourbon instead of Rum. However, it is very tasty and pretty close to the full-day flavor of a traditional Mint Julep.

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                                                   Mint Julep

                                                 Ingredients

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* Ice  * 1 ½ oz. Bourbon  * ½ oz. Lime Juice  * 6-8 leaves and one sprig (for garnish) of Mint  * 5 oz. Lemon-Lime Soda

                                                      Glass

Any 8-10 oz. glass, like a Highball or Collins works.  A plastic cup is fine, if you’re trying to save money.

                                                     Garnish

                                                    Mint Sprig

                                                  Preparation

  Start with 6-8 mint leaves, you can leave then whole or tear them up, if you like little floating pieces of mint.  Toss them into a 8-10 oz. glass and muddle or smash the leaves in the bottom of the glass.  You can use a super fancy muddler or a good old chopstick. Once you’ve muddled the mint, fill the glass about half full of ice and add the lime juice and bourbon. Then fill the rest of the way with lemon-lime soda, give it a stir and garnish with a sprig of mint. God Bless America and Long Live the Party!

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