Mint Julep

Ah, no! The julep is a triumph of leisure! First, one should have a prechilled silver tumbler. He then selects a tender sprig of mint (the sacrificial mint) which is rubbed with firm, though gentle, pressure around the interior walls of the tumbler, being careful not to crush, or mince, the leaves....it is fragrant taste we are seeking.

Crush ice to the size of pebbles from a clear and running brook, until each particle sparkles in the late afternoon sun like the eyes of fairies caught in the morning dew.

Pack the tumbler with these joyous creatures, then feed them sweet nectar brewed of equal parts of sugar and water to the consistency of liquid honey. A teaspoon and a half, poured slowly over the ice, should suffice.

Then fill the tumbler with the finest Kentucky Bourbon.

Now, stir until a frost appears; add a fresh tender, topleaf sprig of mint about three inches long, and serve.

Courtesy of Uncle J. Cabell Breckinridge.