Kentucky Derby Inspired Iced Tea from Pure Leaf

Wow, I can’t believe that I already leave for the Kentucky Derby tomorrow! There are a few things that are iconic to the Derby; The Hot Brown, a sandwich made at The Brown where we’ll be staying, the hats, and Mint Juleps of course!

I had the chance to use some Pure Leaf Real Brewed Tea to concoct some ‘mint drinks’ last night (Because what’s the Derby without a Mint Leaf or two in your glass?!).  One created by celebrity Gail Simmons, judge on BRAVO’s “Top Chef” and Food & WIne magazine contributor, who I get to meet, and another inspired by a recipe on Pure Leaf’s Facebook page, that I changed a bit because I realized as I was making it…I didn’t have all the ingredients (doh!).

Gail Simmons’ LEMON GINGER “TULEP”
1 Serving

3 tablespoons ginger simple syrup (recipe below)
6 to 8 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
Ice
1 cup Lemon Pure Leaf Iced Tea
Cold club soda
Candied ginger, for garnish

GINGER SIMPLE SYRUP
Makes 1 1/2 cups

1/2 cup fresh ginger, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups water

In a saucepan, combine the ginger, sugar, and water and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove the pan from the heat and then set aside to cool. Strain the syrup and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.

Directions
In an old fashioned glass, muddle (that’s just bar speak for mash) ginger simple syrup with mint leaves. Add ice and Lemon Pure Leaf Iced Tea; stir well. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with a slice of candied ginger and a sprig of mint.

To make a cocktail: Add 1.5 ounces overproof Kentucky bourbon before adding the tea.

This is an incredibly refreshing beverage that is so aromatic because of the ginger syrup and the muddling of the mint leaves.

MINT LEAF ICED TEA
1 serving

1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
3/4 cup Sweet Tea Pure Leaf Iced Tea
3/4 cup Lemon Pure Leaf Iced Tea
Ice

Pour teas over mint leaves, add ice.  Enjoy.

The mint and sweet tea pair nicely together, the mint isn’t overwhelming at all in this drink.

I have been invited to participate in a taste immersion experience with Pure Leaf, for which they provided full travel expenses, meals and accommodations and other premiums, however my opinions are completely my own and I have not been compensated to publish positive or negative reviews of the event or products associated with my experience.