California Bookstore Day Julep

We've talked, you and I, about California Bookstore Day.  You can read about that here. 

To recap - it's happening statewide this Saturday and different stores are doing all sorts of different celebratory things.  In Alameda?  Drinks will be flowing about 7 pm.  I've had one ready to go - the CBD Bell-Ringer - but I wanted to offer an easier one, something anyone could mix with ingredients that just might already be at hand.  And, coincidentally?  California Bookstore Day?  This Saturday - May 3rd?  Why, it also happens to be the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby.  And nothing says the Derby like a julep - so, here's the California Bookstore Day Julep.

You don't have to serve it in a vintage glass - like the one pictured down there, from 1973, when Secretariat ran a race for the ages.

But if you have a Derby glass, by all means - use it.

I substituted Osocalis Apple Brandy for the bourbon in homage to my friends at Green Apple Books.  They're the driving force behind the festivities on Saturday, so cheers to them.  Apple mint is delightful and adds a touch of fruitiness to the mint you're used to.  If you can't find it, please substitute regular mint.  Also, while you can use any apple brandy, the distillers at Osocalis make my favorite - it's a little bit of heaven in a bottle.  So, again, cheers!

Love that glass, right?

California Bookstore Day Julep:

2.5 oz. Osocalis Apple Brandy
.5 oz. simple syrup
Apple mint leaves


Stir the brandy and simple syrup with ice.  Strain into a collins glass filled with crushed ice.  Garnish with mint leaves and a Green Apple slice.