Champagne Julep Recipe

• 10-12 leaves of fresh mint, removed from the stems
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or 1-2 tsp simple syrup, to taste)
• 2 ounces cognac
• Chilled brut Champagne or other brut sparkling wine
• Plenty of crushed ice

1. Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup or tall glass and gently bruise with a muddler or wooden spoon, taking care to coat the sides of the glass with the aromatic oils; crushing or grinding the mint will lend an unpleasant bitter taste to the drink.
2. Add the simple syrup or sugar (stir it with a few drops of water to help it dissolve) and a splash of cognac, then lightly stir. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Add the remainder of the cognac, then top with crushed ice and briskly stir the mixture until the glass frosts, adding more crushed ice as needed. Slowly add chilled Champagne or other brut sparkling wine to fill and give a light stir (watch out for foam!).
4. Garnish with a mint sprig and spear with a straw. Let the drink sit for a minute or two before indulging.
5. .

mint, sugar, cognac, sparkling wine, crushed ice

Taken from www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/07/time-for-a-drink-champagne-julep.html (may not work)