Smirnoff Ice Original Julep Recipe

With college football season well under way in Kentucky and national football games heating up, you can bet we are having plenty of game day fun!  Whether you are a face-painting NFL fan or a college alum rooting for your favorite NCAA team, one thing is certain, you enjoy getting game day ready with a lineup of good food and great drinks! With a little help from our friends at Smirnoff Ice, we were inspired to create a Fantail in honor of our favorite team and the Smirnoff Ice Original Julep made it to our taste-testing goal line!

Here in Kentucky, we have an interesting atmosphere when football season arrives.  As a state without a national team, surrounded by several states with one, fan allegiance is all over the U.S. map!  We face a similar dilemma with both the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky playing in the NCAA.  In other words, we have a lot of rivalry and spirited game days!  It also means we have a lot of fans who simply watch the games for the love of the sport or simply to socialize with family and friends and enjoy the great tail-gating spread.

It’s in honor of this diverse culture of football fandom that I decided to go a route I knew all Kentuckians would agree on with a quick and easy, jazzed up version of a mint julep.  I suspected the Smirnoff Ice Orginal would mix well with bourbon and the blend is spot on.  With the addition of fresh mint, the cocktail takes on a refreshing note that will perk up your party.  This drink can be served at any celebration, even outdoor gatherings as it has simple ingredients and a simple process to perfect.  If you truly want to emulate our southern style, serve it up in a mason jar to sip throughout the game.

And as always folks, please drink responsibly while you enjoy the big game!

Smirnoff Ice Original Julep

1 bottle (11.2 oz) Smirnoff Ice Original, chilled
1 shot Kentucky Bourbon
2 sprigs of fresh mint

Note: The drink this recipe is loosely based on, a traditional Mint Julep (often served at Derby time,) uses simple syrup and ice cubes.  As the Smirnoff Ice Original already has a sweet kick, it fully replaces the simple syrup while adding a wealth of new flavor dimension to the drink and when the Smirnoff Ice Original is pre-chilled, there’s no need for ice (which tends to water down the drink) to be used.

Gently crush mint leaves to release their oils and place in a mason jar glass.

Pour in bourbon and swish the glass a bit to mix the bourbon and mint leaves.

Fill remainder of glass with Smirnoff Ice Original and stir.

Garnish with a mint sprig, if desired.  Serve and enjoy!

Want a little more Smirnoff Ice cocktail inspiration?  Visit http://www.smirnoff.com/

Also be sure to check out our holiday drink recipe: Christmas On The Beach Cocktail