Mint Julep

Tara! Home. I'll go home. And I'll think of some way to get him back. After all... tomorrow is another day.

Of course when you read these words you immediately think of Scarlett, Rhett and Gone with the Wind. Visions of the old South, Mississippi River, Steamboats and Plantation homes come to mind. I am fortunate to live in a small southern town in Mississippi. It is a very unique place, home to about 1000 Antebellum homes and historical buildings. People travel here from all over the world to capture a glimpse of the past.

Each spring, 4 weeks during the year, we host a Pilgrimage. During this time the ladies dress in hoop skirts and give tours of the Antebellum homes, horse and carriages transport people through town, and guests sit on sprawling porches watching the lazy river roll by and sip on Mint Juleps.
Many people from the South are steep in tradition. The traditional way to prepare a Mint Julep is to first obtain a silver julep cup. During our Pilgrimage a pageant is performed on the weekends depicting scenes from our past. A popular gift for the participants to receive is silver julep cups, so they aren't very hard to find in these parts.
Ingredients:

• 3 ounces bourbon whiskey
• 4 -5 mint leaves (spearmint is the mint of choice)
• Granulated sugar to taste
• Crushed ice

Preparation
Place a couple of mint sprigs, sugar and ice in the bottom of the cup and "muddle" together. Let it stand for a bit to allow the oils of the mint to be released. Pour whiskey then fill with crushed ice. Stir well to allow to get cold. Handle the cup by the rim or on the bottom, allowing the frost to form on the sides. This reduces the transfer of heat to the drink.

 Find a breezy porch with a comfortable rocking chair, sit back, relax and sip!



http://www.visitnatchez.org/