Optional: sparkling water, club soda, or tonic water
Instructions
Make simple syrup: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar until sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool. Use 1 tsp per mint julep cocktail.Store leftover syrup in a sealed container in the fridge. Use in more mint juleps, iced tea, or other drinks. Use within a year.
Chill an old fashioned cocktail glass (or mint julep cup). Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup until mint leaves look softened and smell very fragrant.
Fill glass with crushed ice, then pour bourbon over ice. Stir once or twice, and fill glass with sparkling water, club soda, or tonic water if desired.