For this drink recipe, because Fourth of July is just around the corner, I wanted to make something that represented America in some way. And what better way to do that than with the mint julep?
The Kentucky Derby, if weren’t already aware, is a very famous horse race that happens every year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. And because Kentucky is known for its horse racing as well as its bourbon, it’s no wonder that the mint julep became the drink of choice at this distinctly American event. But because the mint julep is pretty simple to make and since it’s not derby time, I thought it would be fun to make an even more Southern version of it by adding in some sweet tea.
Speaking of the recipe, some of you might be wondering if I forgot about the theme for this month already since lemons are pretty juicy, but limoncello is actually made with the lemon peels and not the juice at all. I really wanted to add a sour element to this drink but I wanted to stick to the theme and I found the perfect substitute to lemon juice.
Speaking of substitutes, you can make the lemon oil syrup pretty easily by peeling some lemon skins and then placing them in some sugar for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. And then after waiting, set some water to boil and then pour it over the sugar and lemon peel mixture. Give this a stir. And once all of the sugar is dissolved, allow it to cool to room temperature and it should be ready to use.
But you, of course, are not bound by the theme when you make your drink, so use whatever you like. So, although you could say it’s not in keeping with the theme by using these loopholes, it is technically juiceless.
And I’m the one making the rules so…
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon or so of loose leaf black tea (or 2-3 black tea bags)
- Some mint leaves (for your tea as well as for muddling and garnishing, if desired)
- 3 cups of water
- 1/3 cup or so of sugar
- 3/4 cup of bourbon (Substitute w/ more sweet tea for non-alcohol version)
- 1/2 cup of Limoncello (Substitute with some lemon oil syrup or lemon juice and some more sugar for non-alcohol version)
- Some ice (specifically crushed ice if available)
Step 1: Brew Tea
First, we’ll prepare the tea, so bring 3 cups of water to a boil, and then remove this from the heat. Add your tea leaves and mint leaves to the hot water, cover the pot, and let it sit for three to five minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
Step 2: Remove Tea Leaves
Once your leaves have steeped to your desired strength, carefully remove and discard the leaves. I recommend putting your loose leaf in a bag for easy removal but you can also strain it into a separate bowl if needed.
Step 3: Add in Sugar
Next, add in your sugar and stir until it dissolves. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink, but the limoncello will add some more, but if you’re not using it, I recommend adding in a little bit more sugar now.
Then once your sugar is completely dissolved, let the tea cool.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Once your sweet tea is ready, we’ll mix together the mint julep, so to your serving glass or a mixing glass, add in some mint leaves and a little bit of your sweet tea and muddle your leaves gently but firmly with a muddler or a wooden spoon handle.
Then, once you’ve wilted the leaves, add in 1 1/2 oz of bourbon and 1/2 oz limoncello or substitutes, as well as some ice, and then fill the rest with the sweet tea and then give this a stir.
If using a mixing glass, strain out the liquid if you wish to remove the muddled mint from the drink, otherwise, pour the drink into a tall glass, adding ice if needed.
Step 5: Add Garnish & Serve
Then, garnish with some fresh mint leaves and a lemon peel twist or lemon wedges, and your Bourbon Sweet Tea Mint Julep is ready to drink.