The Mint Julep is part of a larger group of cocktails known as “smashes,” which also includes drinks like the Brandy Smash and Mojito. These drinks share a common method where fresh mint and other components are muddled or crushed, releasing essential oils and juices that intensify the flavor.
The Mint Julep is famously associated with the Kentucky Derby. However, this delightful mix of bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice isn’t just for the annual horse race; it’s a year-round refresher.
Originating in the southern United States in the 18th century, the Mint Julep’s first documented mention was in 1803 in John Davis’ book “Travels of Four and a Half Years in the United States of America.” Davis described it as a morning staple for Virginians, involving spirit steeped in mint.
Over time, the Mint Julep has maintained its popularity. The term “julep” broadly refers to a category of drinks featuring a spirit and crushed ice. Initially, juleps were likely made with cognac or peach brandy.
However, following the phylloxera epidemic in the mid-1800s, which devastated French grapevines and affected cognac production, whiskey became the primary spirit for juleps.
Ideally served in a silver julep cup or a rocks glass, the quality of bourbon in a Mint Julep is paramount, with a higher-proof bourbon recommended to prevent rapid dilution from the ice.
Mint Julep Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz (75 ml) Bourbon: The choice of bourbon is a matter of personal preference, but it’s recommended to use a high-quality Kentucky bourbon.
- 8-10 Fresh Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves are the star of the show, providing the cocktail’s signature aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water, providing the necessary sweetness to balance the bourbon and mint.
- Crushed Ice: Crushed ice is essential for creating the Mint Julep’s refreshing and frosty texture.
Mint Julep Recipe
Step 1: Start with a clean and chilled silver julep cup or highball glass.
Step 2: Add 8-10 fresh mint leaves to the bottom of the cup.
Step 3: Pour 1/2 oz of simple syrup over the mint leaves.
Step 4: Gently muddle the mint leaves with the back of a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor. Avoid over-muddling, which can make the cocktail bitter.
Step 5: Fill the cup with crushed ice, packing it down gently.
Step 6: Pour 2 1/2 oz of bourbon over the ice.
Step 7: Stir the mixture well, allowing the cup to frost as the cold ingredients come into contact with its surface.
Step 8: Top off the cup with more crushed ice, forming a mound above the rim.
Step 9: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, giving it a gentle smack to release its aroma. You can also insert a straw into the ice near the mint sprig.
The Mint Julep is more than a cocktail; it’s a taste of the South, a sip of history, and a symbol of Southern elegance.
Nowadays, Mint Juleps are more commonly found in a variety of glasses such as tall old-fashioned glass, Collins, or highball glasses, and are often accompanied by a straw.
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