Orange Mint Juleps

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup snipped fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon shredded orange peel
• 2 cups orange juice
• 2/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup bourbon or vodka (optional)
• Cracked ice

Instructions:
Mix sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to boiling, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; pour over mint leaves. Stir in orange peel, orange juice, and lemon juice. Cover; let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Strain mixture through a mesh strainer; add liquor, if desired. Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Serve over cracked ice.
Makes 8 (4-ounce) servings.
Serve this drink in traditional silver mint julep cups or crystal glasses.