Makes 1 serving

Most julep recipes call for simple syrup, a mixture of sugar and water. The folks at Early Times instruct us to pour hot simple syrup over crushed mint leaves, then chill the syrup before straining it over ice and adding whiskey. Chris Morris, the distiller who makes Woodford Reserve Small Batch Bourbon, uses powdered sugar instead.

5 sprigs of mint, rinsed and shaken dry
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
2 teaspoons water
2 1/2 ounces Kentucky bourbon
Crushed ice

1. Muddle four mint sprigs and sugar in the bottom of a julep glass. Add water and continue to muddle.