Aged Mint Julep - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
3 cups fresh mint leaves
2 cups Bourbon (I use Jim Beam)

Preparation

Heat water and sugar on medium heat to dissolve sugar.
Add the mint, crushing it as you go to release the oils.
Bring the syrup and mint to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and cover it.
Let the mixture steep for 1 hour.
Strain out the mint and squeeze it dry to remove all the syrup.
Add the bourbon and stir gently.
Pour into a clean bottle and chill at least 1 month.
Serve over crushed ice with a sprig of mint for a garnish.