- 1 cup sugar
- 2 bunches fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- 1 (750-milliliter) bottle bourbon
- 3 cups (24 ounces) chilled club soda, optional
- First, make the sugar syrup (simple syrup). Mix the sugar with 1 cup water in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, and cook just until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a container, add 1 bunch of the mint, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Remove the mint, draining it well, and discard it.
- For each julep, fill a metal julep cup (or an old-fashioned glass) with crushed ice. Pour in 1 tablespoon of the mint syrup and 2 ounces (¼ cup) bourbon. Stir. Add a splash of club soda, if desired, garnish with fresh mint, and serve.