Lavender-Green Tea Mint Julep
Makes 3 quarts
This refreshing beverage, boasting a lovely mint-flavored green tea base mingling with a homemade Lavender Simple Syrup and a splash of bourbon, if desired, is a teatime take on the classic Mint Julep cocktail served at the Kentucky Derby. It will quench any thirst and kick-start the celebration on a tasty note.
12 teaspoons loose-leaf mint green tea
12 cups cold water, divided
Cocktail ice cubes
Lavender Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
Bourbon (optional)
Garnish: fresh mint leaves and lavender sprigs
• Place tea leaves in a 48-ounce or larger teapot.
• In a kettle, heat 6 cups water to 180°. Add hot water to prepared tea-pot, cover, and let steep for 3 minutes. Strain tea into a 3-quart or larger serving pitcher. Add remaining 6 cups water, stirring to blend. Let cool to room temperature.
• To serve, fill a silver julep cup with ice cubes. Pour green tea over ice and sweeten to taste with Lavender Simple Syrup. Add bourbon to taste, if desired.
• Garnish with fresh mint and a lavender sprig, if desired.
Lavender Simple Syrup
Makes approximately 2 cups
This simple syrup is not only divine in a Mint Julep but also would be terrific used as a sweetener for iced teas, especially in the summer.
2 cups water
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lavender buds
1 ounce fresh mint sprigs
• In a small pot, stir together 2 cups water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove
