| Author |
Message |
    
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1753
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 11:39 am: | 
|
I think the recipe is fine (sugar/mint syrup, bourbon to taste), but I might be having a problem with my blender.
Into the blender, I put a couple of handfuls of ice cubes, a couple of tablespoons of sugar/mint syrup then some bourbon ("some" being code for "plenty"  ). Then I crush it, but only part of it crushes no matter how I manipulate the blender, and I end up pouring this frothy/liquidy mixture with small ice cubes into my glass.
The frothy top part is superlative. The rest is simply fine. I want the whole thing to be frothy and superlative and I'm willing to purchase a new blender to make that happen. It is mint julep season after all.
Mint juleps are my new best friend. Please, someone help me make better mint juleps...please?... |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1695
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 11:47 am: |
|
I have the same issue when I use a blender... I think there's a flaw in the shape of the unit - not enough surface area at the bottom for the blade to get to all the ice cubes, and it doesn't circulate like I would hope....
Now, when I think of Mint Juleps, I'm not thinking frozen, so not sure what texture you're going for (I've never been a big mint julep fan, so I'm not sure).
My recommendation is to get a smoothie machine. Mine broke, and I'm heartbroken without it, but let me tell you, what this thing does to ice....it's miraculous....it's beautiful....you can just throw everything in and presto chango - you have the perfect drink.... I was making frozen daquari's with it, but if you're going for a less frozen texture, just let up on the ice. It's sort of a pain to clean, but it's worth it (and I never bothered with the spout - just poured it in the glass like I would from the blender.
This looks like the one I had. I think they have them at BB&B...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005O0N1/qid=1148485371/sr=8-3/ref=pd_bbs_3/0 02-1106540-1729637?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=284507
|
Wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2498
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 11:55 am: |
|
Try to smash the icecubes somewhat before you put them in the blender. Then start out using the "crush/chop" setting until you don't hear little pieces moving around. Then turn up the setting. Then invite me for a taste. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2024
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 12:23 pm: |
|
I second Wendy's suggestion.
And LilLB's - I am off to BB&B even as we speak. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1754
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 12:27 pm: |
|
Ooh - ohh - see if they have the smoothie machine (it's only $31 on Lil's link).
And thanks to Wendy I will smash my ice cubes. (then make small ones henceforth!) |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1521
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 12:28 pm: |
|
You might try putting less ice in at the beginning. Add ice as needed. The blender will have an easier time crushing the ice as there will be less to do at a time. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1698
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 12:29 pm: |
|
Ess - it's worth the trip, even if you don't have one of those 20% coupons they're always sending out ... 
Does anyone have a machine that simply crushes ice? I love making caiprehenas (sp?) but I manually crush the ice (I put the ice in ziplocks with a towel around it on the floor smashing it with a meat pounder thingy). Would love to have an ice crushing machine...mmmmmm.....caiprehenas........... |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1755
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 12:38 pm: |
|
Thanks, Mayor. This might sound dumb, but is drink consistency/texture a result of the blender or the person using the blender?
And Ess, would you pick up some large zip-locks while you're out, please? |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1528
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 12:53 pm: |
|
las, both are important. Too much or too little ice will ruin a drink. But remember that you can always add more ice, but trying to get all the little chunks out will take some time. But even the perfect amount of ice won't work if you have a crappy blender. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1701
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 2:00 pm: |
|
You're all making me very thirsty..... |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 9587
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 2:09 pm: |
|
You want to muddle it with a muddler. Blenders weren't around when the drink was invented. You have been hoodwinked by rampant consumerism.
http://www.cookeryware.com/images/Muddler.gif |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1702
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 2:15 pm: |
|
That looks like a Caipirinha Dave....is that what a mint julep looks like too? I find a wooden spoon works just as well to mush the limes with the crystallized sugar, but ya gotta beat the heck out of that ice first.... |
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 1018
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 2:18 pm: |
|
You are right, Dave...This drink is supposed to be served over straight up (from a friend from Kentucky)- not with crushed ice or on ice...nothing should dilute the alchohol.
Enjoy!
B
|
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1756
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 2:42 pm: |
|
I think we should have a tasting.
I'll call my version the Mint Julep Slush.
I know B and Calli would play. Anyone else? |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2025
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 2:57 pm: |
|
Well, I got the new blender. It's a Cuisinart thingy - has an ice-crushing button and a proclamation that it is "great for smoothies". (The 20% coupon helped, also.)
I think the caipirinha doesn't have mint, or rather, doesn't have muddled mint. Also, it's a rum drink, not a bourbon drink.
If I recall, mint juleps served at the Kentucky Derby actually did have ice in them, but it's been a while since I've been to the Derby, and my memory of said Derby is appropriately muddled.
PS: Las - didn't see your post 'til just now; hence, no large Ziploc bags. Small ones, I have.
PPS: When is this tasting and how does one get in on the act? |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1703
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 3:19 pm: |
|
No - definitely no mint in a caipirinha!! Just crystallized sugar, limes and cachaca (pitu). Ice MUST be crushed - no cubes!!!
I'll go to a tasting if it's as Ess's - at least I know I could walk home.... |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1758
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 3:35 pm: |
|
Looks like the decision's been made: Party at the House of Ess!
When? |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 6200
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 4:22 pm: |
|
When please? |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 2250
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 5:07 pm: |
|
yes, when?
|
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2026
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 5:38 pm: |
|
Tonight....after 8:30.....let's say 9 to be safe.....my daughter has a concert that I will be attending.
YAY!!!!!!!! |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2027
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 5:48 pm: |
|
Oh, and one other thing. All I have is a blender and some flavored decaf.
And promise that there will be no singing. (OK, that makes it 2 other things.)
Las can give directions. |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1841
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 8:15 pm: |
|
LilB - where can you find Brazilian rum around here???? |
Nohero
Supporter
Username: Nohero
Post Number: 5435
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 9:05 pm: |
|
Crush the ice in whatever way you feel you should.
But (and this is important) then just put some of that ice into a tall glass.
Add the rest of the ingredients. Don't blender them.
And that's a mint julep. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1704
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 9:06 pm: |
|
So ref - believe it or not I got it at Kings in SH. I'm sure they'd have it at Wine library too.
Ess - I'm just on my way home from work now. And don't think I can make it tonight. If we started a little earlier one day I could do it ( I normally don't work this late). Isn't it nice that I (A) offered up your place for a tasting and I'm now (B) not able to make it???? I'm so incredibly classless sometimes... Sorry!!! |
Wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2501
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 11:37 pm: |
|
Hope it was a fun minty birthday party. I just got home from a meeting so I'm sorry I couldn't crash it. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1759
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 12:40 am: |
|
The drink gets poured over the ice. Thanks, Nohero. The recipe is brilliant in its simplicity.
I'll try it tomorrow night and let you all know how it works out.
Nohero, it's okay I made the mint/sugar syrup over the weekend and have been keeping it chilled, right?
|
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 1019
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 12:04 pm: |
|
I was out of town last night and just read the thread now...hope you all had a good time!!!
|
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2032
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 12:14 pm: |
|
There is no reason why another mint julep tasting cannot be scheduled. I'm game. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 2251
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 1:20 pm: |
|
me too!
 |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1709
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 1:27 pm: |
|
Woo hoo!!!! |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 261
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 4:24 pm: |
|
I just now stumbled across this thread ----I hope your R-rated Slurpees
were scrumptious!
I am still in search of a veranda.
Calli
|
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1767
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 5:28 pm: |
|
Yeah. The crushed ice works well. Thanks Nohero.
Excuse me - I have to go pass out.
Drinking alone? No! Why do you ask? |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2048
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 12:07 am: |
|
No, not drinking alone. We call it running on the treadmill. |
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 1029
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 5:18 pm: |
|
Calli- won;t a patio do???? I can offer that!!!!! |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 279
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 11:17 pm: |
|
BGS---
Of course! A patio may be substituted---and the important thing about a veranda is the Southern hospitality---
I am sure it can't hold a candle to yours!
Calli |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page