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.
Lavender-Green Tea Mint Julep
Makes 3 quarts
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Place tea leaves in a 48-ounce or larger teapot.
- In a kettle, heat 6 cups water to 180°. Add hot water to prepared teapot, 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
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lavender buds
- 1 ounce fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
- In a small pot, stir together 2 cups water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and add lavender and mint. Let cool completely, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a quart jar with lid. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
