#BEST RECIPE FOR A MINT JULEP CRACKED#

English juleps, as opposed to later American mint juleps, were primarily medicinal, lightly alcoholic, and often contained camphor. The word itself is derived from the Spanish 'julepe', from Spanish Arabic, and this from the Persian word گلاب ( Golâb), meaning rosewater. The term 'julep' is generally defined as a sweet drink, particularly one used as a vehicle for medicine. According to bartender and historian Jim Hewes, the cocktail was originally served in a crystal glass because it represented a more upper-class beverage. History A mint julep made with Henry Clay's original recipe at the Round Robin Bar. Today, mint juleps are most commonly served in a tall old-fashioned glass, Collins glass, or highball glass with a straw. Traditional hand placement may have arisen as a way to reduce the heat transferred from the hand to the silver or pewter cup. This allows frost to form on the outside of the cup. Traditionally, mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups, and held only by the bottom and top edges of the cup. The step further releases essential oils and juices into the mixture, intensifying the flavor from the added ingredient or ingredients.

The mint julep may be considered a member of a loosely associated family of drinks called 'smashes' (the brandy smash is another example, as well as the mojito), in which fresh mint and other ingredients are muddled or crushed in preparation for flavoring the finished drink. Proper preparation of the cocktail is commonly debated, as methods may vary considerably from one bartender to another. Traditionally, spearmint is the mint of choice used in Southern states, and in Kentucky in particular. As a bourbon-based cocktail, it is associated with the American South and the cuisine of the Southern United States in general, and the Kentucky Derby in particular.Ī mint julep is traditionally made with four ingredients: mint leaf, bourbon, simple syrup, and crushed ice. Mint julep is a mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, consisting primarily of bourbon, sugar, water, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint. † Mint julep recipe at International Bartenders Association

#BEST RECIPE FOR A MINT JULEP CRACKED#

Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is well frosted. In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar and water. What to Serve with Mint Julepsįor some amazing Derby Day appetizers, try my Pimento Cheese Arancini, Stuffed Cherry Peppers Wrapped with Bacon, Ham and Cheese Pinwheels with “Everything” Bagel Seasoning or Filet Mignon Bites with Creamy Horseradish Sauce.A mint julep served in the traditional silver cup They sell it for $2 a bag! You can also make crushed ice by adding ice cubes to a food processor or blender, or crush it in a clean pillowcase with a rolling pin or other heavy object.

Tip: I purchased the crushed ice for my mint juleps at Sonic Burger.

Spoon Drink Straws (great for scooping out that ice).

Cocktail Muddler (or use the handle of a wooden spoon).

Maker’s Mark: vanilla, caramel, brown sugar (a lighter option a 90-proof) ($25).

Old Bardstown: caramel, orange, pine ($35).

Pure Kentucky XO: vanilla, cedar, cherry, oak ($40).

Wild Turkey Rare Breed: oak, fruit, butterscotch ($40).

Old Grand-Dad Bonded Bourbon: vanilla, orange, pepper ($20).

Four Roses Single Barrel: pear, cherry, toffee ($40).

Woodford Reserve: vanilla, butterscotch, smoke, oak (the official bourbon used at the Kentucky Derby) ($33).

Here are some of the best bourbons for the Mint Julep, that come in at under $40 a bottle: However, you also don’t want to use your most expensive bourbon, for this same reason.

It’s recommended that you choose a bourbon that is around 100-proof since as the ice melts, your drink will become more diluted. Since bourbon is the only liquid in the drink, you want to be sure to use a bourbon that you love. What is the Best Bourbon for a Mint Julep?

In 1939 the Mint Julep was declared the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.

planted mint for cocktails when he founded the track in 1875.

Legend is that Kentucky Derby founder Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr.

As early as 1816, silver julep cups were offered as prizes at Kentucky county fairs.

And I’m here to share my technique with you today!įirst thing’s first… Why does the Kentucky Derby Have a Mint Julep? With feedback from friends, I’m confident that I’ve mastered this classic cocktail. And while I’m more of a vodka girl, I’m all about partaking in a classic mint julep when the Kentucky Derby rolls around each year.Īnd, year after year, I’ve set myself out to making the best mint julep recipe. I know there’s a big handful of you out there. This post is for all my bourbon lovers out there.

Best recipe for a mint julep