The Mint Julep is best known as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. You could think of it as a sort of Mojito of the southeastern United States.
It’s a refreshing combination of mint, sugar, bourbon and water, perfect for sipping on hot days. The major difference between it and the Mojito is that it uses bourbon whiskey instead of rum.
The History of the Mint Julep
The mint julep has a long and storied history. It is said to have originated in the Middle East, where it was known as a “julab.” From there, it made its way to Europe, where it became a popular drink among the nobility.
Eventually, the mint julep made its way to America. At some point, some clever soul added bourbon into the recipe, and the drink became a staple of Southern cuisine. Today, the mint julep is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Of course, once the Mint Julep arrived in US high society, they put a snobby little twist on it: you are supposed to serve it in a silver julep cup. Which most people didn’t have.
In defiance of snobbery, you will see the drink served in a Collins glass here. An old-fashioned glass is great, too. As is the copper mug you use for a Moscow Mule.
It doesn’t matter how you serve it, as long as you enjoy it. It seems kind of silly to own julep cups if you only use them for one cocktail. Besides, most are stainless steel now.
The only advantage to a metal cup – and it can be copper, silver, whatever – is that it can retain the chill from the ice better. This is what makes it good for summer events on hot days.
Being Southern, the Mint Julep is absolutely perfect paired with rich Southern foods, like barbecue and fried chicken. Flavorful foods can stand up to the mint without getting overwhelmed.
Mint drinks also go well with smoky and spicy foods, and of course this drink is perfect all on its own or with a cigar.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a bourbon cocktail recipe famous as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. This is an easy whiskey drink to love.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces bourbon
- Leaves from 4 to 6 mint sprigs
- Granulated sugar to taste (really traditional recipes call for 2 sugar cubes; the more modern version is 1/2 oz simple syrup)
- mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Put the mint, sugar (or simple syrup), and a little bit of crushed ice into a tall glass.
- Add the bourbon.
- Top it off with some more crushed or shaved ice.
- Stir well until frost forms on the glass.
- Tip: you can also muddle the mint and sugar (or simple syrup), then let it stand for a while to release the mint flavor from the leaves.)
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
- Serve.
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