The Kentucky Derby takes off today, and if you're like me, that means Mint Julep time (I think there might be horses involved as well, but I've never been). Wild Turkey's Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has put together the following classic Julep recipe, which to no great surprise features Wild Turkey 101 bourbon. The WT folks want you to know that this brand will infuse your julep with a richer, deeper flavor. They call the drink The 56 Julep, either because this is the 56th Kentucky Derby, or there are 56 horses racing, or you need to drink 56 of them before you can truly turn into a wild turkey.
Keep reading for the recipe. See you at Winston Downs!.
THE 56 JULEP
2.5 oz. Wild Turkey 101
3 sprigs of mint (six to eight mature-sized leaves)
1.5 teaspoons brown sugar
.5 cup crushed ice
In a traditional silver julep cup or double old fashioned glass,
muddle two sprigs of mint with the brown sugar and one ounce of Wild
Turkey 101 for a few minutes, crushing the mint leaves with a spoon.
Add the crushed ice, the remaining bourbon, and garnish with sprig of
mint.
