Louisiana Sweet Tea Julep

For the sweet tea syrup

1. Combine the sweet tea and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Simmer until reduced to a syrup consistency, about 10–12 minutes.

   Then 10 min of waiting

3. Pour into a squeeze bottle or jar and allow to cool completely in the refrigerator.

   Then 30 min of waiting

For the julep

4. Place fresh mint leaves in a highball or julep glass.

5. Pour in the sweet tea syrup.

6. Gently muddle the mint into the syrup with a bar spoon to release its oils without shredding the leaves.

   Be gentle when pressing mint leaves; tearing them releases bitter tannins instead of fresh oils.

7. Pour in the bourbon.

8. Fill the glass to the brim with crushed ice.

9. Stir briskly until the outside of the glass gets cold and frosty.