Elevate your Kentucky Derby celebrations with these wood-fired smoked simple syrups, featuring hibiscus and spearmint. Learn how to prepare the syrups and then use them to craft a refreshing smoked hibiscus lemonade and a classic smoked mint julep.
To make the smoked simple syrups:
1. Combine 6 cups of white sugar with 12 cups of water.
2. Divide the sugar water mixture into two large disposable aluminum pans.
3. In one pan, add 8 ounces of dried hibiscus leaves. In the other pan, add 4 ounces of dried spearmint leaves.
4. Place the pans on a grill and smoke at 225°F for 3-4 hours, whisking every half hour.
5. Cool the syrups to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
6. Strain the syrups before use. This recipe makes a large batch that freezes well and is suitable for many cocktails.
To make a smoked hibiscus lemonade:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add 6 oz of lemonade and 1-2 oz of the smoked hibiscus syrup.
To make a smoked mint julep:
1. Take 5-6 fresh mint leaves and muddle them with 1.5 oz of the smoked mint simple syrup.
2. Add 2-3 oz of Kentucky Bourbon.
3. Top with ice and garnish with another sprig of fresh mint.
