Mint Julep

Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
2 ounces bourbon or sour mash whiskey
Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Boil sugar, water and mint leaves together in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the liquid is clear. Set the syrup aside; it will steep as it cools. Strain it before using it. Refrigerated, the syrup keeps indefinitely.

Mint Julep:
2 ounces bourbon or sour mash whiskey
Mint sprigs, for garnish

Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons, or more to taste, of the mint syrup into the bottom of an 8-ounce glass. Fill the glass halfway with cracked ice, and pour 2 ounces of bourbon over it. Stir gently to blend, and garnish with mint.