This drink was built to refresh, says Alex Negranza of Houston’s Tongue-Cut Sparrow: “I tied together some of the quintessential components of Derby Day and the mint julep while incorporating some of the ingredients I love to use in refreshing cocktails in the warmer months.” The flavors of champagne and maraschino cherry add extra luxury to a special-occasion cocktail.
Mint Julep Month: The Golden Gait Julep
For the cocktail
1½ oz. Maker's Mark® bourbon
Handful of mint leaves
2 tbsp. Champagne syrup (see recipe below)
1 tbsp. maraschino liqueur
Pebble ice
2-3 sprays of absinthe (optional)
For the Champagne Syrup
Bottle of Champagne
3 cups sugar
Preparation
- For the Cocktail: Muddle bourbon and mint leaves (save a few for garnish). Stir in Champagne syrup and maraschino liqueur. Add ice. Garnish with mint leaves. Spray absinthe on top.
- For the Champagne Syrup: Grab a bottle of Champagne (pour yourself a little) and add to a pot to be reduced. Reduce down by 50% and add in 3 cups of sugar. This will yield enough syrup to be used in plenty of juleps. Store in an airtight container in the fridge to keep for later use.
Meet the bartender
Recipe from Alex Negranza of Tongue-Cut Sparrow in Houston, Texas. Want more juleps? See other specialty mint julep recipes and learn more about Mint Julep Month here.