We've often heard it said this will cure whatever ails you. There happen to be some medical humor from "A Winter in the South," a series that ran in Harper's Monthly in 1857. The Doctor wrote out a prescription for a patient that goes like this. White sugar, with spring water as as necessary, strong cognac, spirits of Rye, mint leaves, as desired, thus we get the Prescription Julep.
I tried this julep at the Varnish bar in downtown Los Angeles and it was one of the best drinks I've ever had and is great to sip on during a hot summer day just like in the old South.
Cheers,
John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com
Prescription Julep
2 oz White sugar
1 oz Spring water
1 1/2 oz strong cognac
1/2 oz Rye Whiskey
Mint leaves as desired
Dissolve the sugar in the water, lightly press the mint leaves in the resulting syrup, add the spirits and ice, and stir. Add another sprig of mint leaves for garnish on top of the ice. Serve in a julep cup with a straw.