Mint Julep
The mint julep cocktail is made with bourbon and sweetened with simple syrup. I like to use a minty homemade simple syrup which you can make ahead with this recipe and store in the refrigerator. This refreshing cocktail deserves to be served in frozen silver goblets or the most elegant glasses you have — perfect for Kentucky Derby viewing! 
water
2
cups
white sugar
2
cups
roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
½
cup
crushed ice, or as needed
8
cups
Kentucky bourbon
32
fluid ounces
fresh mint for garnish
8
sprigs
 Make the simple syrup ahead of when you plan to serve: Bring water, sugar, and chopped mint to a boil over high heat in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is completely dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool . Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves.
  To make the mint juleps: Fill eight glasses with crushed ice; pour 4 ounces bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup into each cup. (Add extra syrup for anyone with a sweet tooth.) Top each drink with a mint sprig.
