This recipe is a family favorite especially on long, hot summer days. The flavors are cool and refreshing and the bright green color is always a hit with the kids. The recipe itself is the syrup base for the drink. Dilute it with ice cold water, club soda, or bourbon to make a tasty thirst-quencher. You can dress this up with slices of fresh lime, a sprig of mint and a maraschino cherry. Keep the syrup in the fridge for up to one month and serve up a cool glass whenever the temperature gets too high.
Mint Julep Syrup Base adapted from Disneyland Recipes
1 lb. sugar 6 cups water 2 limes, juiced 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed 3/4 cup creme de menthe syrup (not liqueur) 1 lime, sliced (optional garnish) 1 handful fresh mint (optional garnish) maraschino cherries (optional garnish)
Directions In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir sugar and water until completely dissolved. Add lime juice and lemonade concentrate and heat until 210 degrees, or until just about a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the creme de menthe syrup. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill completely before mixing with ice cold water, club soda, or bourbon. Serving ratio is 1 part syrup to 5 parts water/soda/bourbon. Garnish with fresh lime slices, a sprig of mint and a maraschino cherry.
HINT: Look for the creme de menthe syrup at liquor stores or gourmet grocery stores.