Mint Juleps

1 1/2 cups bourbon or sour mash whiskey (12 oz)
8 teaspoons superfine granulated sugar, or to taste
1 cup fresh mint leaves
12 cups crushed ice

Garnish: fresh mint sprigs

Stir together bourbon and 4 teaspoons sugar until sugar is dissolved. Lightly crush mint leaves with remaining 4 teaspoons sugar in a metal bowl with back of a spoon until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Add 4 cups crushed ice, then add 3/4 cup bourbon mixture and stir well.

Divide mixture among 8 (12-ounce) glasses with a ladle. Add enough of remaining 8 cups ice to almost fill glasses, then add remaining 3/4 cup bourbon and stir well.

Serves: 8

Source: Epicurious.com, Gourmet, May 2003

Prepared by: Stacey for the October 2000 meeting and the September 2003 meeting.