In our travels, my husband and I visited beautiful Louisiana. Our trip took us to many fun, exciting, strange, and wonderful places.

We visited New Orleans, where we enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride, and had a drink in Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, likely the oldest bar in the country. We also explored famous Bourbon Street, perhaps one of the most unusual places I’ve had the pleasure to see. The people we’ve met during our trip to the Big Easy were the warmest, kindest, most fun-loving people I’ve met anywhere.

We had a chance to watch the New Orleans Saints play live in the Superdome. Football fan or not- that was a great experience. And I have to admit, Saints fans have absolutely stolen my heart. New Orleans loves their Saints.

One of our favorite memories is a visit to Jackson Square, where we enjoyed a most delicious meal at Muriel’s, the famous restaurant in Jackson Square. I had Pecan Crusted Puppy Drum. The crusted seafood dish with the heavenly sauce melted on my tongue. I am fairly certain my eyes rolled to the back of my head in pleasure. What a culinary delight!

One of the days we traveled up the Mississippi and explored more of Louisiana’s history. One of our stops took us to Oak Alley, an old plantation, famous for its ancient oaks. We enjoyed a meal in their restaurant and concluded our visit with a refreshing Oak Alley Mint Julep.

This refreshing minty drink is the perfect antidote for Louisiana’s hot and humid climate.

I always have plenty of fresh mint in the garden, so once we returned home, I made Mint Julep in appreciation of a beautiful trip. Sipping this beverage will always bring back memories of our wonderful visit down south.

Mint Julep Recipe

Step One:

Mint Simple Syrup

• 2 cups mint leaves
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Crush mint leaves as you add them to a sauce pan. Add sugar. Mix mint with sugar. You want to make sure your mint is bruised, so the oils will be released into the sugar. Add water. Heat mixture over medium heat until sugar is complete dissolved. Bring to a quick boil, take off heat immediately. Strain mixture and store syrup in fridge.

Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz Bourbon
• Crushed ice
• Fresh mint leaves

Use a chilled glass or Julep cup.
Fill glass half-way with crushed ice. Add simple syrup. Muddle syrup and ice until ice dissolves some, add more crushed ice. Pour bourbon over ice.
Stir until glass is frosty. Top off with more crushed ice.
Garnish with a sprig of mint, serve, and enjoy.