It’s Derby week! And we’ll be there! Yup, it’s our first time going to the Kentucky Derby and we’re so pumped. Naturally, Mint Juleps are on the mind and making quite a few cocktail hour appearances on our porch. I thought it’d be fun to give one a twist with Fernet Branca Menta. Based on the same recipe as Fernet-Branca (which includes an assortment of 40 herbs, roots and spices), Branca Menta adds to the equation more sugar and “the finest peppermint essential oil in the world.” The twist works, making a boozier Mint Julep. Replacing the muddled mint for the cocktail’s flavor, the Branca Menta adds a bitterness with its heavy mint essence and of course, more alcohol with its 60 proof.
- 2 oz bourbon – Makers Mark (c/o)
- 1/4 oz Branca Menta
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
Pour all ingredients into a Julep cup and fill with crushed ice (get a Lewis bag if you don’t have one). Garnish with fresh mint sprig.
Styling by Candice Lorraine