Bulleit Mint Julep

Wash mint leaves, pat dry, and put them in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces Bulleit Bourbon and let soak for 15 minutes. Remove mint, then place them in a clean cotton cloth, and wring over bowl, bruising the leaves. Dip back into bourbon and wring again. Repeat several times to create mint extract. Set extract aside for 1 hour. You can also put the leaves back in the extract for a more concentrated mint flavor. Combine mint extract (leaves included, if preferred) with simple syrup (1 cup sugar and 1 cup water) in a covered glass container or jar and refrigerate overnight. Fill julep cups (10-12 ounces, preferably silver but glass will do) with crushed ice or shaved ice and insert a fresh mint sprig. Add 1 1/2 ounces Bulleit Bourbon to each cup. Add marinated julep mixture to taste.