Jocose Julep

I've been interested in trying this drink with creme de menthe and bourbon as a more intense sort of Mint Julep. I used to think of it as a quick and dirty way of making a julep, but when you use fresh mint anyway, I was unsure of the point. I guess the thinking is that a Mint Julep has an odd color and presentation when its not served in a julep cup with crushed ice. It has mint bits and uneven brown coloring from sugar and water, so it is kind of unappetizing.

But the name itself implies that this drink is done as a joke, and it sort of is. Whether it is a joke on the drinker or the bartender is up to interpretation. I've never used a blender without ice. I've never used creme de menthe in addition to real mint, and I've never poured a warm mess from a blender over fresh ice. (I did all that and more for this drink--I strained out the mint bits so that the drink remains an attractive and brilliant green.) It makes you laugh when you taste it because you can tell what has been done. It's a Mint Julep with a cold mint snap and a wacky color.

• 3 oz. bourbon
• 1 oz. creme de menthe
• 1 1/2 oz. lime juice
• 5 mint leaves
• sparkling water
• sprig of mint

Blend bourbon, creme de menthe, lime juice and mint leaves in a blender with no ice. Pour into a Collins glass full of ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a mint sprig.