The Mint Julep

Mint Julep Month

April celebrates Mint Julep month, paying homage to this iconic southern libation. To honor the tradition, I’ve curated a selection of diverse recipes and instructional videos for you to enjoy throughout the month.

Crafting the perfect Mint Julep sparks lively debate within the realms of bartending and mixology, particularly in the Southern regions. While the core ingredients remain consistent, the methods of preparation vary widely. Some advocate for muddling mint and sugar, while others argue for the aromatic essence of mint by delicately swabbing the cup’s base. Preferences range from loose sugar to sugar cubes or infused mint syrup. With such diversity in approach, exploring various methods is key to discovering your ideal concoction.

Below are various recipes and ways to make a Mint Julep

If you can, pre-chill your julep cups or glass tumblers before filling them with crushed ice. This prevents the ice from melting too quickly.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Bourbon
Fresh Mint
2 tbsp Simple Syrup
Crushed Ice
Powdered Sugar (drizzled on top)
Fresh Garnish Mint

Mix together simple syrup, either muddled with mint or by itself, and Bourbon. Fill a glass with crushed ice and pour the mixture over top. Sprinkle the top of the ice with powdered sugar. Garnish with a mint sprig.

*How to make Simple syrup: 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup distilled water. Heat to dissolve sugar, stirring constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

For those who seek refinement, the choice of bourbon is paramount. Whether it’s Woodford, Bulleit, Old Forester, or Blanton’s, everyone holds a preference, often fiercely defended. Opting for a high-quality bourbon elevates the experience, as Mint Julep demands reverence and appreciation. After all, it’s a libation to be savored, not hastily consumed. Why compromise with inferior spirits?

Here is a variation on the Mint Julep

INGREDIENTS

10 mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
1 1/2 teaspoons superfine sugar
Seltzer water
Crushed ice
2 1/2 ounces Kentucky bourbon whiskey

Place the mint leaves in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass and top that with the sugar. Muddle these together until the leaves begin to break down. Add a splash of seltzer water, fill the glass 3/4 full with crushed ice, and add the bourbon. Top with another splash of seltzer, stir and garnish with a sprig of mint.

How to Make a Mint Julep

How to Videos: (note the various takes on how to make this cocktail)

History of the Mint Julep

Delving into its history, the Mint Julep predates the Kentucky Derby, with its signature silver cups steeped in heritage. Crafted by esteemed silversmiths like Asa Blanchard and the Cooper brothers, these vessels exude elegance. Samuel Judson’s 1908 recipe captures the essence: crushed ice, a sprig of mint, dissolved sugar, and a generous pour of fine Kentucky whiskey, all crowned with a frosty exterior and garnished with mint.

The Mint Julep owes much to passionate advocates like Henry Clay, who popularized it at the renowned Willard Hotel’s Round Robin Bar in Washington, D.C. His influence extended far and wide, spreading the love for this exquisite cocktail across the nation.

Moreover, the Mint Julep played a pivotal role in the evolution of the drinking straw. The advent of the rye grass straw in the 1800s, though economical and soft, proved unsuitable for prolonged use. Marvin C. Stone’s ingenious solution came to fruition in 1888 with the invention of the modern paper straw, inspired by his dissatisfaction with rye grass altering the drink’s flavor. His innovation revolutionized drinking accessories, ensuring an optimal Mint Julep experience.