Switching out regular sugar for this version with brown sugar and adding some vanilla bean to the mix was amazing and this Brown Sugar and Vanilla Bean Mint Julep is my new favorite!
I had great plans for a Mint Julep this year that included strawberries. I’ve been making a new version of Mint Julep each year for the past couple of years in honor of The Kentucky Derby and the ones with some added fruit have been spectacular. And then a new book arrived and those plans went straight out the door!
If you knew me like a friend does, you would know exactly why she decided to send me a copy of the book Brown Sugar Kitchen. Not because I know the place or have ever been to West Oakland or even because I have a love affair with soul food. Nope…simply because I love, love, love brown sugar.
I mean love so much that if in a pinch for something sweet I will take the advice of Mary Poppins but need no medicine; a spoonful of brown sugar can satisfy those cravings quickly. Goodbye fresh strawberries and hello Muscovado, my favorite brown sugar!
It did not hurt at all that I had just received a bottle of award winning Bulleit Bourbon…the absolute perfect pairing in my book. Leaning heavily on the author’s recipe I also took her suggestion to add a bit of vanilla bean. We’re getting just a bit decadent here but then…have you ever seen those people at the Derby? I think this Muscovado and Vanilla Bean Mint Julep would work just fine there don’t you?
If you’re asking, ‘What is Muscovado sugar?’ it’s simply unrefined sugar and has a stronger taste of molasses. It’s perfectly suitable to use brown sugar (which is refined sugar that has had molasses added to it) and the darker the better to get the deeper character that the Muscavado brings to this cocktail.
As for bourbon? Nothing better than Bulleit. I’ve been the lucky recipient of several different great bourbons but one thing I knew for certain that this cocktail had to include? Well, it had to have bourbon made in Kentucky; anything else would have been sacrilege and Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey has been something of a darling in the bourbon industry over the last few years.
It’s inexpensive, flavorful and it’s as versatile as a whiskey can be which has made it a favorite of whiskey drinkers and bartenders alike. A high rye content in the mash provides a nice spicy kick and balances well with the sweeter bourbon notes.
Originally created by Augustus Bulleit and produced from 1830 – 1860 when he died it has been resurrected by Tom Bulleit, the great-great-grandson of Augustus Bulleit. He adjusted the mash bill which requires that to be a true bourbon it must include at least 51% corn. Made of 68% corn, 28% rye and 4% malted barley it’s marketed as being a product of Bulleit Distilling, but in truth it’s made in the Four Roses distillery; also well known for their high rye bourbons.
Four Roses is the brand recommended by the author of Brown Sugar Kitchen so I knew I was on the right path using Bulleit and when it comes to value for the money it’s hard to beat.
As much as I loved the Sparkling Blackberry Mint Julep and Honey Peach Mint Julep of years past something about this cocktail really spoke to me. Beyond the Muscovado (Brown Sugar) and Vanilla Bean it is closer to a true julep and might just be my new favorite (Yes, I think I say that EVERY time I try a new mint julep)!
MORE DERBY? Here’s a nice compilation of Derby dishes, desserts and drinks at Parade Magazine’s Community Table that’s been put together by Brianne from Cupcakes and Kale Chips. Your party planning is officially taken care of!
Have a horse you favor to win? Let me know which one…I’ll be paying attention while I’m sipping!
I love Mint Juleps and have lots more; we love them all summer!
PIN ‘Muscavado and Vanilla Bean Mint Julep’
Brown Sugar and Vanilla Bean Mint Julep
Combining Muscavado (Brown Sugar) and Vanilla Bean is a perfect fit with bourbon. We simply loved this Brown Sugar and Vanilla Bean Mint Julep!
Ingredients
For the Muscovado Mint Syrup (makes enough for a crowd - nutritional information for one cocktail will not be accurate)
- 1 cup light or dark Muscovado (or brown) sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup packed mint leaves
- 1 vanilla bean; seeds stripped (save the pod)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes! For the Cocktail:
For the Cocktail
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 1 1/2 oz Bourbon
- 2-3 Tbsp Brown Sugar Mint Syrup (this cocktail is very bourbon forward; some friends prefer the larger ratio of sugar)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- Ice (crushed ice is nice and a meat mallet or hammer does the trick nicely. Simply put the ice in a large plastic bag, cover with a cloth and hit with abandon!)
- Mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
To Make the Syrup
- Bring the sugar and water to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Remove from the heat and add the mint, the vanilla beans and the pods. Stir and cover and let steep for 20 minutes.
- Add the ice cubes and stir to melt. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve and into a container to cool. Cover and chill until cold, 30 minutes in the freezer or an hour in the fridge.
To Make the Juleps
- Place the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker and crush lightly with a muddler or the back of a spoon.
- Add the bourbon, Muscovado Mint Syrup, lime juice, and a handful of ice cubes.
- Shake until cold then strain into a glass packed with crushed ice. Top with more crushed ice, garnish with the mint sprig and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1155Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 188mgCarbohydrates: 147gFiber: 8gSugar: 112gProtein: 35g
The nutritional information above is computer-generated and only an estimate. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
I was provided with a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon but all commentary is my own.
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