Official Cocktails

Mint julep

Mint julep is a traditional southern cocktail made with fresh mint, sugar, bourbon, and crushed ice. It is typically served in a silver or pewter cup and garnished with a sprig of mint.

Mint julep recipe

  • 6 cL (2.0 US fl oz) bourbon whiskey
  • 4 mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons water

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.

Directions for how to make the Mint julep

  1. In a highball glass, gently muddle 4 mint leaves, 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons of water.
  2. Fill the glass with cracked ice.
  3. Add 6 cL (2.0 US fl oz) of bourbon whiskey.
  4. Stir well until the glass is well frosted.
  5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Tips for how to make the perfect Mint julep

  • Use fresh mint: Ensure you have fresh mint leaves and not dried ones. This will give your mint julep an aromatic and fresh flavor.

  • Crush the ice: For a perfect mint julep, crushing the ice is important. Use a mallet or your blender to crush the ice until it’s small and powdery. This will create a perfect consistency with the cocktail.

  • Use the right bourbon: While you may be tempted to use any bourbon, ensure you use a high-quality bourbon with at least 90 proof. Remember, the bourbon makes up the bulk of the cocktail, so using a high-quality one will enhance the taste.

  • Don’t over muddle: When muddling the mint, don’t overdo it. Simply press the mint gently to release the oils without crushing it too much.

  • Use sugar syrup: In place of granulated sugar, use sugar syrup to sweeten the cocktail. This will ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved, giving the cocktail a smooth taste.

  • Serve it in a chilled glass: Ensure that both the glass and the ice are chilled before serving. This will ensure that your mint julep stays cold for longer.

Alcohol-free alternative to the Mint julep

One non-alcoholic alternative to Mint Julep could be the Virgin Mint Julep. It is a refreshing and cooling drink made with a combination of fresh mint leaves, sugar syrup, lime juice, and soda water. To make a Virgin Mint Julep, you can follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

  • 8-10 fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 oz sugar syrup
  • 1/4 oz lime juice
  • 4-5 oz soda water
  • Crushed ice

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, muddle the fresh mint leaves with sugar syrup and lime juice.
  2. Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
  3. Pour the muddled mint mixture into the glass.
  4. Top the glass with soda water and stir gently.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime.
  6. Serve chilled.

This drink is perfect for those who want to enjoy a minty and refreshing drink without the alcohol. It is also easy to customize according to taste preferences.

Mint julep fun facts

  1. Mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, an annual horse race held in Louisville, Kentucky.
  2. The first known mention of a mint julep was in a book written in 1803 by John Davis titled “Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States of America”.
  3. Mint juleps were originally made with rum or brandy before bourbon became the common liquor used in the 20th century.
  4. The traditional way to serve a mint julep is in a silver or pewter cup, which helps to keep the drink extra cold.
  5. The term “julep” comes from the Persian word “gulab,” which means rose water, a common ingredient in early variations of the drink.