This past week has been amazing. I’m more relaxed. I don’t feel like there’s this constant feeling of “I have to get A, B, and C done before I go to work.” It’s wonderful. So…I made you all a drink to celebrate my new found nirvana.
This Orange Mint Julep is a twist on the Derby classic. Mike had bartended a private party for the Kentucky Derby this year. They did two signature drinks, and one of them was a Mint Julep of course. It is the official drink of the Derby, and Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon. When he came home from the event, he had a giant bag of oranges and mint leaves.
I had to think of something to make with all of those ingredients. I couldn’t just let them go to waste, and my fruit obsessed son wasn’t feeling oranges that week. A mojito popped into my head first, but meh. And I’m a whiskey drinker so a julep it was. And here we are. This drink is everything I hoped it would be. Refreshing from the citrus with a classic julep flavor.
One Year Ago: Fresh Vegetable Salad
Two Years Ago: Cookie Dough Graham Cracker S’mores Bars

Orange Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 4 mint leaves
- 1 orange wedge peel on
- 2 1/2 ounces Woodford Reserve bourbon
- Ice
- Toothpick
Instructions
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Remove peel from orange wedge and cut into a small sliver. Twist peel and skewer with toothpick.
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Tear mint leaves and place in a rocks glass. Squeeze orange wedge into glass, discard fruit. Muddle orange juice with mint leaves. Add bourbon. Give drink a quick stir. Add ice. Garnish with orange peel. Enjoy!