Blissful Mint Julep

Mint is flourishing in Michigan after the rainy spring we had, coupled with the mild summer now.  And what better time to think of ways to use it?  Since mint is often associated with desserts and beverages, I will present a few recipes in those categories, and then we'll dig into entrees that use mint.  Yum! 

Here is a recipe for an alcoholic beverage that uses fresh mint, garnished with mint sprigs.  It is one of the best Mint Julep recipes around.  If you've never had a Julep, be prepared to be surprised.  Enjoy!

Blissful Mint Julep

Lightly muddle 10 mint leaves and 1 tbsp. Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water, cooked in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then cooled - extra can be stored in the refrigerator) in a mixing glass/  Stir in 3 tbsp. VSOP brandy or your favorite brand of Cognac and  2 tbsp. rye whiskey.  Fill a Julep cup or glass with crushed ice.  Pour mixture over.  Stir until frost forms on outside of cup.  Add more crushed ice to make a mound.  Garnish with 4 mint sprigs and serve with a straw.  Makes 1.

Herb-a-licious cocktails

Rum-Thyme Lemonade

(thyme plant in background)

It's "Rum Time"!

Many cocktail recipes call for combinations of various liquors, sodas, and fruits, but outside of Mint Juleps, there isn't a lot of focus on adding fresh herbs to create a refreshing new cocktail.  Here are a couple from the Martha Stewart Living magazine, March 2011.  I couldn't find them online yet at http://www.marthastewart.com/ but they should be there eventually, along with many other cocktail recipes.

If you're not familiar with the term "muddle" there is a bar tool called a muddler that is used to mash (muddle) fresh herbs, fruits and spices in the bottom of a glass to release their flavor and oils.  You can use the end of a wooden spoon to serve as a muddler.

By the way, I was absolutely compelled to try making the Lemonade drink with rum instead of tequila, and take my word for it, it's delicious!

Tequila-Thyme Lemonade (from Martha Stewart Living)
( or Rum-Thyme Lemonade) (tested in-house!)
Muddle 3 thyme sprigs with 1 tsp. sugar and 2 lemon wedges in a glass.  Add 3 ounces silver tequila OR 3 ounces light (as opposed to dark) rum, 1 ounce cold water, and ice.  Stir.  Makes 1.



Mint-Ginger Caipiroska
Muddle three slices fresh ginger with 1 1/2 tsp. sugar in a glass.  Add 5 mint sprigs.  Muddle until fragrant.  Add 4 ounces vodka and ice.  Garnish with mint.  Stir.  Makes 1.