Step 1

Place loose mint leaves on the bottom of a metal julep cup. Add simple syrup. With a muddler or the flat back of a bar spoon, lightly press on the mint leaves to release their oils without tearing or shredding them. Add Bourbon.

Step 2

Add crushed ice to the julep cup, packing it down until a small mound forms above the rim. If crushed ice isn’t available, pulse ice cubes in a blender or food processor until reaching the desired consistency. Garnish with mint sprigs.