Latest Drink Recipe
I’ve you’ve never made - or enjoyed - a mint julep before, be sure to check out this post, with lots of information from myself, and videos from the real experts.
In the bottom of a 10-12 oz glass (or a silver julep cup, if you’ve got one on hand) gently muddle together:
12 mint leaves
¼-½ oz simple syrup
Add to this mixture:
2 oz bourbon
Stir to combine ingredients, and fill glass with finely crushed ice. Garnish with the prettiest mint sprig you have, and serve.
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About Me
My name is Jeff Morgenthaler and I'm the head bartender at Bel Ami in Eugene, Oregon.
I'm 36, I've been tending bar for 12 years and writing about it for 5. Mixing drinks has become something of a passion for me in recent years, and I strive to elevate the experience of having a drink from something mundane to something more culinary.
The writing I do here is intended as a work in progress. My recipes are like my opinions: they are constantly being revised and refined as I work them through my mind and my fingers. Comments and participation are encouraged, so please don't feel the need to tread lightly here.
24 Oct 2007 at 1:07 pm 1. Jeremy Brooks
That’s a great idea. I’m interested in going in on this with you. Sent the link to a few friends as well.
24 Oct 2007 at 2:54 pm 2. Craig Hermann
Why this Christmas!? Don’t they know I’m saving for a house?
Or, Can I get this somehow related to closing costs or a refurbishment loan? Decoration for basement bar refurbishment?
24 Oct 2007 at 2:56 pm 3. Jeffrey Morgenthaler
Okay, that’s three of us. Now we just need 997 more friends and we’re there!
Jeff
24 Oct 2007 at 3:08 pm 4. Lance J. Mayhew
Um Jeff,
How about you buy a barrel and we’ll make our own? I was hoping to do an unaged rye by Xmas this year. Are there any good coopers in the greater Eugene metro area? $100 for a barrel vs $5k for something you should be doing yourself seems a bit out there.
24 Oct 2007 at 3:40 pm 5. Boozemonkey
Sweet idea! Could a Californian get in on the action? I spent the first 23 years of my life there, that’s gotta count for something. I might even be able to get some friends to get on board as well.
24 Oct 2007 at 5:55 pm 6. Jason!
I’m in. Count me in for four actually. My desires tend more towards the rye end, but I’m all for supporting my old home state in this endeavor.
24 Oct 2007 at 6:19 pm 7. Steve B
(Friend of Jason! in comment #6)
I’d be down for four bottles worth as well.
24 Oct 2007 at 10:04 pm 8. Heath Hutto
Why don’t you want the whole barrel for yourself, Jeff?
25 Oct 2007 at 7:16 am 9. Marshall
Jeff, you can put me down for two bottles! I would tend to go for bourbon or rye myself, but will happily go along with the consensus.
Cheers!
25 Oct 2007 at 9:31 am 10. Craig Hermann
Hey Lance, would something like
http://www.artisanbarrels.info
be something you’re looking for?
25 Oct 2007 at 11:59 am 11. erik_flannestad
Another Californian here who would also be in on this, if the logistics worked.
25 Oct 2007 at 2:30 pm 12. Jeffrey Morgenthaler
I was … mostly … kidding about getting a group together and going in on a barrel, but I do appreciate the enthusiasm, kids! Sadly, the logistics of collecting $5000 and splitting a barrel sounds like a nightmare to me.
However! I do like your idea of finding a barrel and making our own, Lance. I actually have a storage unit that would be perfect for the aging, it’s right next to the Willamette River.
I think those barrels look a little fancy for our needs, and the spigot seems unnecessary. I’ve heard rumors that barrels can be found at homebrew shops, I’m going to look into it this weekend as we have plenty of homebrew options here in Eugene.
Stay tuned!
25 Oct 2007 at 4:40 pm 13. Marleigh
All this excitement and I am still having a devil of a time turning up a bottle of Clear Creek Oregon scotch down here. I know someone in SoCal has one for sale!
27 Oct 2007 at 3:14 pm 14. Jeff Frane
Marleigh, the McCarthy’s Single Malt is difficult to find in Oregon even, because they do short runs and sell out very quickly. I ended up, no kidding, buying a bottle mailorder from binnys.com in Chicago.