Watermelon Mint Julep

Mint Julips are the classic Derby drink, but we decided to jazz this one up a bit by adding watermelon! This addition also allowed us to skip the simple syrup step- we just added the mint and some sugar (optional) to the blender when juicing our watermelon. You can also use a juicer if you have one on hand. This cocktail serves up perfectly with lots of crushed ice. Have a crowd coming over? This recipe can easily be batched out. Set up a self serve bar with an ice bucket filled with crushed ice and a pitcher of this!

Makes 2 Cocktails

2 cups watermelon chunks
8 mint leaves
1 T lemon juice
1/2 - 1 Tablespoon superfine sugar (optional depending on how sweet you like it)
4 oz bourbon
Crushed Ice
Mint sprig and watermelon wedge to garnish

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend on high about 30 seconds. Strain watermelon mixture into a measuring cup (a double strain works well for this recipe). This makes about 1 cup of juice.

Fill two glasses with crushed ice all the way to the top, and slightly overflowing. Combine the watermelon juice and bourbon into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake away and then split between the two glasses. Garnish with mint and a watermelon wedge.