Southern hospitality dictates that a decanter of sherry always be ready on the dining room buffet.... but when it comes to sitting on the wide verandah to escape the late day heat, thoughts turn instead to mint juleps.

The secret is in the proportions:

• combine 1 part sugar syrup* with 4 parts Bourbon;
• pour into a tall glass filled with crushed ice; 
• garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

*The syrup is made by combining 2 parts sugar with 1 part boiling water.