The Liquid Muse

Juleps Are Better Than None

Maybe Tales of the Cocktail has started a new craze with their Julep Competition, which is sure to bring many variations on the traditional mint, sugar, bourbon. And, maybe its a good thing. Standardized recipes are important - but so is creativity. Cocktails are about good times, not stressing over every last historic detail. That's why I want to share this interesting recipe from Ben Jones of Rhum Clement. Life without tasty variations gets quite boring...

Bitter Orange Julep
2 ½ oz. Clément V.S.O.P. Rum
1 oz. Clément Créole Shrubb
¾ oz. Dry Sack Especial 15 year old Oloroso Sherry
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
5 dashes of vanilla extract
3 dashes of Fee's West Indian Orange Bitters
1 teaspoon of orange marmalade
One large orange wheel cut in half
6-8 mint leaves

Muddle one large orange wheel cut in ½ with 5 dashes of vanilla extract and ¾ oz. of Dry Sack 15 Year Old Oloroso. Add 1 oz. of Clément Créole Shrubb, 2 ½ oz. of Clément V.S.O.P., ½ oz. of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of orange marmalade, 3 dashes of Fee's West Indian Orange Bitters and 6- 8 large mint leaves to the mixing glass along with several large ice cubes. Shake vigorously for a minimum 15 to 20 seconds and strain into a Julep Cup filled with fresh crushed ice. Garnish with mint and orange peel.