Local artist Debra Bryant brings a taste of Kentucky with a Florida blueberry spin with her blueberry mint julep. She loves to serve it for “Run for the Roses.”
INGREDIENTS
1 pint fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1 large bunch mint
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Crushed ice
1 cup bourbon
Seltzer, chilled
METHOD
• In a small bowl, mash together the blueberries, sugar and vanilla and let sit at room temperature until juicy, about 20 minutes. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl, pressing against the solids with a rubber spatula; discard the pulp.
• For each drink, place about 3 tablespoons of the blueberry syrup and 8 mint leaves into a cocktail glass and muddle together using the handle of a wooden spoon. Fill with crushed ice, 1/4 cup bourbon and a splash of seltzer. Garnish with a mint sprig.
