Japanese "Julep"

Serves 1.

Note: Shiso leaves are available at Asian grocery store. It is called tía tiô in Vietnamese stores. Mint can be substituted. From Amelia Rayno.

• 1 1/2 c. crushed ice, divided

• 5 shiso leaves or fresh mint (see Note)

• 2 oz. (1/4 c.) Japanese whiskey

• 4 1/2 tsp. pickled plum simple syrup (see recipe)

• Splash of water

Directions

Pile a cup of the crushed ice in a traditional mint julep silver cup with a straw. Arrange 4 shiso leaves on 1 side.

Place the fifth leaf between your palms, clap (to open up the fragrant oils) and add to a shaker with the remainder of the crushed ice, the whiskey, splash of water and the simple syrup. Shake hard and pour over the crushed ice.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories215Fat0 gSodium65 mg

Carbohydrates22 gSaturated fat0 gTotal sugars22 g

Protein0 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber0 g

Exchanges per serving: None.

Pickled Plum Simple Syrup

Makes 1 cup.

Note: Find pickled plums at Asian grocery stores. From Amelia Rayno.

• 1 c. water

• 1 c. sugar

• About 6 pickled plums, plus 1/2 c. of liquid from the jar (see Note)

Directions

Heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stovetop until the sugar dissolves. Add the plums and 1/2 cup plum juice and allow to come just to a boil. Allow to cool completely.

Nutrition information per 1/8 cup (1 oz.) serving:

Calories110Fat0 gSodium70 mg

Carbohydrates29 gSaturated fat0 gTotal sugars29 g

Protein0 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber0 g

Exchanges per serving: 2 carb.

Rosemary-Campari "Julep"

Serves 1.

Note: To make simple syrup, heat equal parts sugar and water until sugar has dissolved. Cool completely before using. From Amelia Rayno.

• 1 1/2 c. crushed ice, divided

• 2 oz. (1/4 c.) rye whiskey

• Splash of water

• 1/4 oz. (1 1/2 tsp.) Campari

•1/2 oz. (1 tbsp.) simple syrup (see Note)

• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Directions

Pile 1 cup of crushed ice in a traditional mint julep silver cup with a straw. Arrange 1 rosemary sprig on the side. Place the other in a shaker with the remainder of the crushed ice, the whiskey, splash of water, Campari and simple syrup. Shake hard and pour over the crushed ice.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories180Fat0 gSodium1 mg

Carbohydrates11 gSaturated fat0 gTotal sugars10 g

Protein0 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber0 g

Exchanges per serving: None.