Mint Julep
Julep
Ingredients
- Mint 4 fresh
- Bourbon 2 1/2 oz
- Powdered sugar 1 tsp
- Water 2 tsp
Instructions
In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar and water. Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is well frosted. Garnish with a mint sprig.
The Mint Julep is a timeless American whiskey cocktail made by muddling fresh mint with powdered sugar and water, then filling the glass with cracked ice and pouring bourbon over the top. Traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup, it is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and one of America's oldest cocktail traditions. The drink is simultaneously refreshing and spirit-forward.
History & Origins
The Mint Julep has roots in the American South dating back to the late 18th century, with early written references appearing by the 1790s when it was described as a morning drink consumed for medicinal purposes. It became indelibly associated with the Kentucky Derby in 1938 when it was adopted as the race's official cocktail. The drink evolved from using rye or brandy to bourbon as Kentucky distilling rose to prominence.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Fresh crushed mint, sweet caramel, and the warm vanilla and oak of bourbon. Palate: An invigorating cool mint freshness contrasting with the rich, slightly sweet depth of bourbon; the powdered sugar rounds the spirit's edges. Finish: Long and refreshing with persistent mint and a warm bourbon glow.
Pro Tip
Bruise the mint gently rather than shredding it to release aromatic oils without introducing bitterness, and pack the glass with finely crushed ice for proper frosting.
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