The Mint Julep is one of America’s great cocktails. Now synonymous with The Kentucky Derby, it’s a drink that’s perfect for warms weather, and not just the first weekend in May. But one of the main requirements for the Julep is that it be served in a sterling silver cup, and let’s face it, many of us just don’t have this glassware laying around. So we present our Hillbilly version, with a cleaned aluminum can subbed in for the sterling silver. We like using cans that used to hold corn, since corn is the main ingredient of Bourbon, but feel free to use any can you like, as long as you clean it well.

The Hillbilly Mint Julep

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of corn
  • 2 bunches of mint
  • 1 ounce simple syrup
  • 2 ounces bourbon – we used Bulleit
  • crushed ice

Instructions:

Open the can and empty the corn, reserve corn for later if desired. Remove label and rinse can under running water. Dry thoroughly. Combine one bunch of mint and simple syrup in can and muddle. Add crushed ice, packing it to the rim. Pour bourbon over ice. Garnish with the second mint bunch and add a straw.

Yield: 1 Mint Julep

Published: May 6, 2016