postscript

Southern Living, Apr 2004 by Murphy, Morgan

Editor's Pick

A trip to Kentucky convinced me of the perfect bourbon drink: the mint juiep. What could be more Southern than iced firewater in a silver tumbler? Problem is, it seems every family in the Bluegrass State has a different julep recipe. Crushed ice or shaved? Mint leaves in or out? Fresh mint or, God forbid, some horrible mix? Take my advice: Get thee to The Brown hotel in Louisville, 1-800-555-8000. After sampling more than I care to admit, I found The Brown's version of the julep to be the best, and I think you will too. They surrendered the following recipe to us for you to try at home.

Make mint simple syrup using 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water; bring to a boil; add fresh mint sprigs (about 12); cool, and discard leaves. Pack a 10-ounce glass with crushed ice; add 1 tablespoon simple syrup and 2 ¼ teaspoons Kentucky bourbon. Add water to fill glass; stir once. Garnish with mint sprigs, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with a short straw. (Makes one 10-ounce serving.)

The hotel suggests you drink the concoction with your nose buried in the mint, hence the short straw. Good luck. -MORGAN MURPHY

Spring into the season with a classic Southern drink.

Take a Seat at the County Seat

Reader Cheryl Lundgren of Alliance, Ohio, sent us this great tip that you might find useful for your next family excursion.

"While driving through the South, my husband and I discovered that the most reliable location for finding clean restrooms and a clean water fountain is in the county courthouse. Every county has a seat of justice, and these towns are often charming in their own right. The county seat boasts an often stately and photogenic courthouse with clean facilities that are open to the public. As a bonus, the nearby good restaurants usually attract the busy judges, lawyers, and policemen."

Listen Up

Long hours behind the wheel can bore the stew out of just about anyone. I find that a book on tape helps the miles go a lot quicker. On my recent five-hour drive to New Orleans I listened to Dan Brown's best-seller, The Da Vinci Code ($29.95 on abridged CD) and was headed across Lake Pontchartrain before I knew it. Most public libraries will let you check out books on tape or CD. Cracker Barrel stores sell the same service for just $3 a week. (Best of all, you may return the tapes or CDs to any Cracker Barrel store.) For techies, Apple's iPod allows users to download audio books directly from iTunes. Whichever your preferred method, a good yarn makes the trip go a little easier.

Signs of the Month

Life's only guarantees got you down? Check out the signs below, spotted by reader Cathy Brown in her hometown of Amory, Mississippi.