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As refreshing as its name, the Mint Julep is popular choice among guests as the only caboose with a traditional bathroom facility featuring a bathtub and shower.
The refreshing wicker furniture and mint color scheme are as refreshing as the perfectly clean air and cool water in Clearlake.
Mint Julep: $140 Per Night
Mint Julep History
Mint Julep started its life as a Caboose on the Southern Pacific rail line. It is the oldest caboose on the property and still features some of the original fittings for a genuine railroad experience. The seats in the cupola have been redecorated, but are still intact with two facing booths perched way up high. This is the perfect spot to watch the sun rise or set with a cool beverage or some hot coffee. The view is great from up there!
Mint Julep Amenities
The Mint Julep Suite includes a traditional bathroom with a tub. The Cupola features a pair of facing bench seats so up to four people can enjoy the wonderful view while possibly taking in some local wine. All Featherbed Caboose Suites are equipped with a coffee maker, personal refrigerator and television. The Mint Julep's video system includes a VHS player and access to our huge video library including many train videos. The Mint Julep features a queen sized bed with a featherbed cover.
Mint Julep Recipe
What would the Mint Julep caboose be without a mint julep? You can find fresh mint growing right outside this caboose, and the rest of these ingredients are available locally. Bottoms up!
4 cups bourbon
2 bunches fresh spearmint (growing right outside the Mint Julep caboose)
1 cup fresh lake county water (Mint Julep's faucet has some of the best water around)
1 cup granulated sugar
Powdered sugar
To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.
To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a cup. Heat in the caboose's microwave to dissolve sugar. Set aside to cool.
To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.
Now begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added (hic). You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it's right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to "marry" the flavors.
To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with ice from the Featherbed Railroad's ice machine. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately.
Mint Julep Music
Tony's choice of music to go with this caboose would be anything Jimmy Buffett, but particularly "I Will Play for Gumbo."