Mint Juleps

Ingredients for Syrup:

* 2 cups water
* 2 cups white sugar
* 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves

Ingredients for Drinks:

* 32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon
* 8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer or cheesecloth to remove mint leaves
2. Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw. Trim straws to just barely protrude from the top of the cups. Serve juleps on a silver platter.

If you are using silver goblets, place them in the freezer for at least half an hour before serving. Handle frozen goblets with a clean towel, holding them by their edges, so as not to mar the lovely frosted surface.

My friend Lori from work gave me fresh mint, straight from her garden, which really added some excellent flavor to this recipe. It was very refreshing and a big hit at the dinner party I brought them too.