Pure & Clear | Mint Julep

We're celebrating the Kentucky Derby with a mint julep and Pure & Clear™ cocktail ice.

 

 

Though none of us are avid horse racing fans, we couldn’t let the Kentucky Derby pass without partaking in the celebrations. Naturally, this means being basic and making a good ol’ Mint Julep. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Highball or lowball glass, chilled
  • 8-10 mint leaves, whole or roughly chopped 
  • ÂĽ ounce simple syrup 
  • 2 ounces Kentucky bourbon (i.e. Four Roses, Elijah Craig, Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace, etc)
  • Pure & Clear™ shards, crushed
  • Soda water, optional
  • Angostura bitters, optional 
  • Mint spring for garnish
  • Muddler  
  • Ziploc or Stasher bag
  • Something dense from your utensil drawer (meat cleaver, citrus juicer, hammer, etc.)

And here’s what you’ll do:


  1. Chilling your glass ahead of time is totally optional. We didn’t do it, but if you live in a place where it’s hot or humid all the time, it may be a good idea. 
  2. First, grab your mint leaves and add them in your glass. 
  3. Next, add the simple syrup. You’ll then want to muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup together. 
  4. Once you’ve muddled to your heart’s content, add in the 2 ounces of bourbon. Does it have to be from Kentucky? No, but according to Wikipedia, it can’t be labeled as “bourbon” unless it’s from the state of Kentucky. Who knew? 
  5. Now, this drink is typically served with crushed ice. Because our ice is so dense, you’ll have to break out your kitchen tools. First, place two or three Pure & Clear™ shards in a bag (Ziploc or Stasher). Then, grab your kitchen weapon of choice (we used the back of a citrus juicer), and crush the ice until it’s as small as you like.
  6. Once you’re done getting your anger out, add the ice to your glass. Stir until the drink is well mixed and your glass gets frosty. 
  7. Optional: add a few drops of Angostura bitters or be a rebel and top the remainder of the glass off with soda water. 
  8. Garnish with a mint sprig and you’re golden! Happy race day!