Congrats To The “Cocktail Contessa” Heather Wibbels For Winning Our Mint Julep Cocktail Contest With The Peachy Julep
We are purists when it comes to our mint juleps. Every element must be perfect – the texture of the ice, the julep cup, the homemade simple syrup, the freshly harvested Kentucky Colonel Mint, and of course – a high quality Kentucky Bourbon.
That’s why were so shocked to choose this recipe as the winner of our Mint Julep Contest…because there’s no mint! But hang in there folks, you have to taste it to believe it. We were skeptical initially, but every submission had to get a fair shake, so we whipped it up and were surprised at the outcome.
When prepared the traditional way with properly crushed ice, the julep glass and the straw, you feel like you’re drinking a classic mint julep with a peachy twist. We couldn’t believe our taste buds–were our brains broken?
Heather does mention in the text that you could substitute out the basil for the mint to make it more traditional, and that result is lovely as well. But if you have trouble finding mint that is to your standards, the basil is really worth a try.
Contest winner Heather Wibbels will receive a Ky Derby Swag Pack from Sweet Mash Southern Goods! Stop in today to get Derby-ready for the track or your own home party.
Without further ado, here it is!
Peachy Julep
On a hot Derby Day, I wanted to think about all the sweet peaches headed our way in the fullness of summer and came up with this recipe. While it works if you make it with mint, the basil makes it absolutely divine and it stands out from a traditional julep recipe.
2 oz Kentucky Bourbon
½ oz simple syrup
¾ oz high end peach brandy
5 basil leaves
Garnish: sprig of fresh basil
Pack a julep cup with crushed ice. In a mixing tin, add the basil leaves, simple syrup and peach brandy. Muddle a bit to release the oils from the basil leaves. Add the Bourbon and fill the tin with ice. Stir until well-chilled and strain into the julep cup. To garnish, spank the basil and put the sprigs in the julep cup. Put the straw right next to the basil so you get that sweet smell each time you take a sip.
About Heather Wibbels
Certified Bourbon Steward. Whiskey cocktail enthusiast. Bourbon Woman in the heart of Bourbon country. Home mixologist and Bourbon fiend.
IG: cocktail_contessa
Want to offer something on the lighter side for your Derby party guests? Check out The 1875 – the official mocktail recipe of the 145th Kentucky Derby created by our partners at The Mocktail Project! #shareamocktail