Pilgrim's Cottage Virgin Mint Julep...

As many times as I've heard of the old american southern standby drink
"mint julep"...
I had no idea bourbon was an ingredient in it
truth told...
I thought it was a lemonade drink
no wonder it was a popular refreshment on old southern porches


Lt. Gen. S.B. Buckner Jr., said in 1937,

"A mint julep is not a product of a formula.
It is a ceremony and must be performed by a gentleman possessing a true sense of the artistic,
a deep reverence for the ingredients
and a proper appreciation of the occasion."
( quote found here )

well...
not meaning to burst his bubble...
I'm of the feminine gender...
with no real artistic abilities to speak of
certainly, no deep reverence for the alcohol ingredient...
and as far as the occasion goes...
 I don't drink
not because I find alcohol in itself a sinful thing...
but, simply because it tastes like...
well, it tastes like alcohol

while having a glass of wine or a bit of bourbon in a drink...
is no sin...

it's the over indulgence of alcohol that takes away one's cognitive abilities to behave as a human being 
in fact, Proverbs 31:6 admonishes...

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish,
and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Then, there is Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:
and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

So, because I don't care for the alcohol taste,
neither am I perishing nor of heavy heart...
and hopefully, no fool...
I've made my own version of mint julep


the ingredients for a large pitcher

instead of alcohol use...

the juice of 10 - 12 limes 
(or lemons if you prefer)
just please! don't use the bottled stuff...
you'll regret it

a fistful of fresh picked mint, crushed
(grows easily in containers)

a half teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
it adds a little "kick"
(works better than powder or you can leave out)

as much raw honey as needed for your sweet tastebuds
if you can get fresh squeezed cane juice...the best for this recipe
(or you can use any sweetener you prefer)

if you really want to go wild ...
put in a splash of grenadine syrup
(it gives the drink a nice flavor and pretty, pink color)

Put it all in the pitcher and fill it with preferably filtered water
(makes it tastes better than chorinated tap)

let the crushed mint leaves steep in the juice for a couple of hours..
then strain the juice and you will have yourself the prettiest looking drink even the kids can enjoy

so...
while it's not authentic southern mint julep...
in fact, really, technically...
 it's mint limeade with a twist

here's to you


I know...
it's not pink
I put lots of ginger in mine and held back my "wild" side : )

May your day, or night go well for you.