The Triumphant Return of Cocktail Mondays: Mint Julep

I hate summer. I really do. I do not like heat, mosquitoes think I'm yummy, and I find sunny days to be oppressive. However, there are a couple of good things about summer, and this drink is one of them.

The Mint Julep

In a chilled glass, put several mint leaves and about a tablespoon of sugar syrup (to make sugar syrup: equal parts water and sugar, boil until clear). Muddle. I've tried this with and without a proper muddler, and I must say, you need a muddler. If you don't have one, go buy one. Seriously. They're really cheap. Here's one.

Then add lots of ice and fill with bourbon. We're drinking Buffalo Trace today. Stir. Mmmmmmm.

Cross-posted at What the Hell is Wrong with You?

Cocktail Mondays: The Manhattan

Mmmm, it's like a bourbon martini. Warms you right up on a cold day, and makes you feel so much more friendly towards the annoying masses. Also, most bartenders can be trusted to get this one right.


The Manhattan

2 parts good bourbon (I like Knob Creek)
1 part sweet vermouth
dash bitters

Shake over ice and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry. I like to add a spoonful of the cherry juice, too.

Cross-posted at What the Hell is Wrong with You?