HAPPY HOUR

Mint Hits the Spot

Here are a few of our favorite mint cocktails — refreshingly perfect for chilling this summer.

Mint Julip Zest

INGREDIENTS:

• • • • • • 1 handful of fresh mint ½ cup simple syrup 1 cup distilled water 2 ounces bourbon whiskey 0.5 ounces water 1 lemon wedge

DIRECTIONS:

Ice is optional. Pull mint from stem, place into mixing unit with all ingredients aside from lemon; mix, shake, pour. Cut lemon into wedges, zest, and garnish.

Watermelon Smint

INGREDIENTS:

• • • • • • • 3 sprigs fresh mint 1 teaspoon water 1 teaspoon superfine sugar 2 ounces vodka Club soda or filtered water, splash to liking Sprinkle of powdered sugar 2 ounces watermelon juice DIRECTIONS:

Muddle the leaves from two mint sprigs with teaspoons of water and sugar, and watermelon juice in a highball glass. Add remaining ingredients to taste. Garnish with the remaining mint and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Matcha Mint Julep

INGREDIENTS:

• • • 2 ounces simple syrup ¼ cup water 1 teaspoon matcha powder (culinary grade) • • • 10 mint leaves 2 ounces bourbon 1 sprig mint DIRECTIONS:

Mix the bourbon and matcha powder in a small bowl while removing all the clumps, preferably with a whisk. In an old fashioned or rocks glass, add the mint leaves and simple syrup. Muddle until the leaves just start to break down. Fill the glass ¾ full with crushed ice and add the bourbon/ matcha mixture. Stir, and serve.