Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat to dissolve the sugar. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves

Fill eight cups with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw.

Leave out the bourbon and mix with seltzer for a virgin - Mint Tulep.