a twist on a classic with lemon, lavender and mint
This year Garden & Gun kicked off Derby season with the launch of their initiative, “Mint Julep Month.” The publication tasked local restaurants, bars, and food writers to come up with their favorite new renditions of the classic mint julep. I went to several local restaurants in my area that were participating in this event and was blown away by the level of creativity.
Some mixologists were using wood chips to smoke the bourbon or adding fun twists like rose petals and hibiscus. Still, a truly balanced cocktail is by far my favorite. My brother Loyd stole the show with his take on a new age julep. Derby season or not you’ll be glad you gave this cocktail a try. Enjoy!
Triple Crown
Enjoy this twist on a true classic.
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- Juice of half a lemon
- Three dashes lavender bitters
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- Fresh mint
- 0.5 oz Ginger liqueur ex. Cantone
- Blenheim’s Ginger Ale sub: favorite ginger beer
- Crystallized ginger
- Large swath of lemon peel
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add lemon juice, vodka, ginger liqueur, and bitters
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds
- Double strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice
- Garnish with fresh mint and crystallized ginger
- Cut a large swath of lemon peel and express the essential oils over the cocktail being sure to rim the glass before placing the peel in the drink and serving
