Mint, earth, bittersweet
The ultimate drink to serve with pecan pie, this minty coffee cooler is a dramatic pick-me-up and terrific contrast to sweet flavors.
It is possible to make this drink by muddling mint sprigs with sugar, but a mint syrup melds the flavors together better. The Black Julep is a dramatic combination that lifts a pedestrian cup of coffee into the ethereal, with the mint and sugar teasing out new flavor notes from quality beans. Keep a jar of mint syrup in your fridge door, and you can make them anytime.
½ ounce (15 ml) mint syrup (page 243)
4 ounces (120 ml) coffee, cooled
Mint sprig, for garnish
Stir mint syrup and coffee together in a rocks glass. Add ice and garnish with mint.