5 Ingredients or Fewer

Elderflower Julep

Name: Elderflower Julep
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 15 to 20 large spearmint leaves; 1 teaspoon honey; 3 oz bourbon; 2 oz St. Germain; 1 1/2 ounces strained grapefruit juice (preferably fresh squeezed)

by: hardlikearmour

July 3, 2012

3.8

4 Ratings

Serves 2

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Author Notes

The jumping off point for this is a classic mint julep. I've added grapefruit juice for its balanced sweet-tart-bitterness, and St. Germain elderflower liqueur, because frankly, I'm enamored with it. The resulting concoction is fresh and boozy, and perfect for a hot summer evening. —hardlikearmour

Test Kitchen Notes

You won't need a fancy hat and a copy of the Daily Racing Form to appreciate Hardlikearmour's zingy take on the classic Kentucky cocktail. The time-honored pairing of bourbon and mint turns tangy with the addition of fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. It's all tempered by the subtle sweetness of the St. Germaine. Top shelf bourbon is a must - we used Ridgemont Reserve "1792" - and if you have a frosted silver mint julep cup to serve it in, so much the better. In any case, odds are you'll enjoy this delightful drink all summer long, not just on the first Saturday in May. —wssmom

Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients

15 to 20 large spearmint leaves
1 teaspoon honey
3 oz bourbon
2 oz St. Germain
1 1/2 ounces strained grapefruit juice (preferably fresh squeezed)

Directions

Combine mint and honey in martini shaker. Muddle thoroughly. I use the end of a wooden spoon, as I don't have a proper muddler. You want the mint to exude some juices, and almost form a syrup with the honey so put some muscle in it!
Put 2 to 3 ice cubes into each of two 7 to 8 ounce glasses, and set aside.
Add the bourbon, St. Germain, grapefruit juice, and a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15 shakes.
Strain into prepared glasses. Garnish with a mint sprig if you're feeling fancy. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy!

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BlueKaleRoad
wssmom
gingerroot
aargersi
hardlikearmour

I am an amateur baker and cake decorator. I enjoy cooking, as well as eating and feeding others. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband and our menagerie. I enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, mushroom hunting, tide pooling, beach combing, and snowboarding.

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9 Reviews

BlueKaleRoad July 20, 2012

What a marvelous cocktail, HLA! Love bourbon and love St Germain so I know I'll love this one. Your addition of grapefruit is terrific - my preferred mimosa is always with grapefruit rather than orange juice. I look froward to relaxing with this julep!

hardlikearmour July 20, 2012

Thanks BKR! I tried several different fruits, and grapefruit was the clear winner.

wssmom July 6, 2012

cant wait to try this hahaha

hardlikearmour July 6, 2012

Let me know what you think! You're the cocktail queen in my book!

gingerroot July 4, 2012

This is calling my name! With everything on hand, I may just celebrate tomorrow with one.

hardlikearmour July 4, 2012

I think you'll like this one! It's got a fresh boozy kick.

aargersi July 3, 2012

yummmmmmmmm tasty poolside!!!

hardlikearmour July 3, 2012

It's yummy even without the pool!