Recipes: Variations on the mint julep

Serves 1.

Note: Shiso leaves are available at Asian grocery store. It is called tía tiô in Vietnamese stores. Mint can be substituted. From Amelia Rayno.

• 1 1/2 c. crushed ice, divided

• 5 shiso leaves or fresh mint (see Note)

• 2 oz. (1/4 c.) Japanese whiskey

• 4 1/2 tsp. pickled plum simple syrup (see recipe)

• Splash of water

Pile a cup of the crushed ice in a traditional mint julep silver cup with a straw. Arrange 4 shiso leaves on 1 side.

Place the fifth leaf between your palms, clap (to open up the fragrant oils) and add to a shaker with the remainder of the crushed ice, the whiskey, splash of water and the simple syrup. Shake hard and pour over the crushed ice.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories215Fat0 gSodium65 mg

Carbohydrates22 gSaturated fat0 gTotal sugars22 g

Exchanges per serving: None.

Makes 1 cup.

Note: Find pickled plums at Asian grocery stores. From Amelia Rayno.

• 1 c. water

• 1 c. sugar

Directions

Heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stovetop until the sugar dissolves. Add the plums and 1/2 cup plum juice and allow to come just to a boil. Allow to cool completely.

Nutrition information per 1/8 cup (1 oz.) serving:

Calories110Fat0 gSodium70 mg

Carbohydrates29 gSaturated fat0 gTotal sugars29 g

Exchanges per serving: 2 carb.

Serves 1.

Note: To make simple syrup, heat equal parts sugar and water until sugar has dissolved. Cool completely before using. From Amelia Rayno.

• 1 1/2 c. crushed ice, divided

• 2 oz. (1/4 c.) rye whiskey

• 1/4 oz. (1 1/2 tsp.) Campari

•1/2 oz. (1 tbsp.) simple syrup (see Note)

• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Directions

Pile 1 cup of crushed ice in a traditional mint julep silver cup with a straw. Arrange 1 rosemary sprig on the side. Place the other in a shaker with the remainder of the crushed ice, the whiskey, splash of water, Campari and simple syrup. Shake hard and pour over the crushed ice.

Calories180Fat0 gSodium1 mg

Carbohydrates11 gSaturated fat0 gTotal sugars10 g

Protein0 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber0 g