Mint Julep Punch

By lbgtdep

Makes: 9 servings
Serving Size: 6 ounces
Yields: 7 cups
Prep: 10 mins
Stand: 1 hr
Chill: Up to 24 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup black cherry bourbon or bourbon
• 4 cups sparkling water, chilled
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint sprigs

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium saucepan stir together sugar and water. Heat and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup mint. Let stand for 1 hour; remove and discard mint. Transfer syrup to a small bowl; cover and chill several hours or overnight.
To serve, in a pitcher stir together the syrup and bourbon. Stir in sparkling water. Serve over ice with fresh mint sprigs.