Mint Juleps and Southern Plantations

When I hear of mint juleps, it brings to mind southern plantations with the ladies and gentlemen languishing on the veranda sipping their mint juleps whiling away yet another hot summer day. I close my eyes and see one of the southern belles in her hoop skirt with her gentlemen caller, tapping him on the knee with her fan, and flirtatiously batting her eyelashes at him. Days of Scarlett O'Hara and Gone With The Wind.

Being from the South, I often wish I could be transported in time back to those days. To experience it for myself. To be a Southern Belle.

Mint Juleps Recipe

Ingredients
2 cups lightly packed fresh mint
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice
1-1/2 cups bourbon
1 cup orange juice
Granulated sugar
Crushed Ice
Fresh Mint Sprigs
Halved orange slices

Directions
1. Place mint leaves in a medium bowl; set aside. In a medium saucepan combine the water and 1 cup sugar. Bring to boiling, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; pour over mint leaves. Stir in orange juice.
2. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Strain mixture through a mesh strainer. Stir in bourbon. Cover and chill up to 24 hours.
3. Place granulated sugar in a shallow dish; wet the edge of 8 glasses and dip into sugar to coat. Add crushed ice to glasses. Divide bourbon mixture among glasses (about 2/3 cup per glass).

Garnish with mint and orange slices. Makes 8, 5-ounces servings.