My Mom is pretty much a life-time teetotaler but for some reason she kept talking about mint juleps. I think she liked the sound of the name and imagined it tasted like creme de menthe or something. One summer day when she and my Dad were over, my partner and I made a tray of Juleps which are basically sugar, fresh mints leaves and bourbon. Lots of bourbon. (In fact a friend of mine from Georgia says a real julep is made by holding a mint leaf in one hand and a shot of bourbon in the other.) Mother was, well, QUITE surprised and I don’t think she mentions mint juleps anymore.

Having said all that, I know someone who has an annual Kentucky Derby party where she makes juleps and folks sit around and make friendly wagers on the race.

Juleps are a nearly perfect summer drink. Just sip slowly.