Ginger Mint Julep

Name: Ginger Mint Julep
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar; 2 cups water; 2 cups loosely packed chopped fresh spearmint; EACH SERVING:; 1/2 to 3/4 cup crushed ice; 1 ounce bourbon; 2 teaspoons lime juice; 1-1/2 ounces ginger beer

Mint juleps aren't just for Kentucky Derby day! Enjoy one while gathering with friends for baby shower or luncheon. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 cups loosely packed chopped fresh spearmint
EACH SERVING:
1/2 to 3/4 cup crushed ice
1 ounce bourbon
2 teaspoons lime juice
1-1/2 ounces ginger beer

Directions

For mint syrup, place sugar, water and chopped mint in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool completely.
Strain syrup through a fine-mesh strainer; discard mint. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, at least 2 hours.
For each serving, place ice in a mint julep cup or rocks glass. Add bourbon, lime juice and 1/4 cup mint syrup; stir until mixture is cold. Top with beer.