So Long Sweet Summer

Oh, no.  SP just took a gander at the calendar and sees the future all too clearly. Summer is almost over and soon, much too soon, we will kiss her goodbye. Yes, SP is sentimental now and you’ll just have to stay with me through the molasses. Summer, we really love her and the bounty she brings: Independence Day parades, watermelon, corn on the cob, sailing, seafood, linen, parties, full moons, music festivals, entertaining on the front porch, summer houses, old friends, favorite restaurants and summer drinks, lots and lots of summer drinks.

We’ll be back in the saddle next week with much to say and much to see. Upcoming next week, one last SP Road Trip from the summer of Aught Nine plus big news of a new venture on the horizon. Fall will bring new energy and new beginnings but before all that kicks in, let’s get out there and soak up the last rays of summertime. So without further ado, SP will share a favorite recipe for the definitive drink of the summer. Yes, SP prefers scotch for all things social, but on those hot days when friends stop by, there is only one drink that says it all and that’s the mint julep. Here is a gift from my old friend Michelle, the southern belle.

The Mint Julep

“You need at least two big bunches of fresh mint. Put 1-2 cups of bourbon — I only use Maker’s Mark — in a pitcher with a 1/2 bunch of mint for about 12-24hrs. You can also add the mint straight to the bottle of bourbon if you think you will drink all of it. Make a simple syrup by boiling 2 cups of sugar into 2 cups of water and add a 1/2 bunch of mint as the syrup cools.
So that’s your prep.

Now fill your julep cup – sterling of course — to the top with crushed ice. Add 1 –2 jiggers (the big side if 2 sided) of bourbon and 1-2 jiggers of syrup. Fill the rest of the way with good, cold water and a little bit of torn mint. Toss this mixture back and forth a couple of times ending in your julep cup. Add a pretty sprig of mint and enjoy! (Responsibly, of course)Juleps are best made one at a time, that’s why I use the julep cups to mix instead of a shaker plus nothing gets as cold as a silver cup. I guess jiggers are a universal size, but I put 1-2 because some people like more bourbon than syrup and vice versa. So there you have it! I hope this gets you to julep nirvana. It is THE best cocktail you know, oops, I mean drink.”

Thanks, Michelle. SP is grateful and a little drunk, from summer! — of course, from summer.

SP Recommends: Maker’s Mark, Reed & Barton Julep Cups, and a covey of good friends who appreciate the finer things in life.