Associated with the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep makes a refreshing summer whiskey cocktail that you can enjoy on a hot summer’s day.
The Julep takes its name from the Arabic word Jallab, which is a popular drink particularly in the Levant made of grape molasses syrup, dates and rose water often topped with pine nuts.
In The Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Helmich featured here, the author explains that the Mint Julep can be traced back to the 15th century. In 1938, it became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May though it had been a Kentucky tradition since the late 1800s.
Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 30ml bourbon
- 15ml simple syrup
- 8 mint leaves
- crushed ice
Glassware: Julep cup or silver tankard
Garnish: spring of mint
Method
In a Julep cup, gently muddle the mint with the simple syrup. Add bourbon, some crushed ice and stir well. Fill the remainder of the Julep cup with crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Photo by Cocktails & Bars – © Copyright: All rights reserved.