What Is a Mint Julep?
A Mint Julep is a Southern classic alcoholic beverage made from Bourbon, sugar, water and, of course, mint! The signature of the Mint Julep is the muddling of the mint leaves to a pulp before adding ice, all to create a perfectly sweet and refreshing summertime drink. While a Mint Julep can be made with or without a sugary mix, make sure you give it a try the traditional way first to get an authentic taste of the South!
The History of the Mint Julep
The bourbon Mint Julep has been an iconic drink among Southerners since the 1800s. It first gained fame in Kentucky, where it was served in the early days of the Kentucky Derby as a way to show off the local bourbon. The classic Derby Julep was made with Kentucky bourbon, sugar, and plenty of fresh mint, and the tradition deepened to become a signature cocktail that could be found all over Louisville and the rest of the South.
Making the Perfect Mint Julep
The key to making the perfect mint julep is getting the right ratio of ingredients. Before you start making your julep, it’s important to get the right measurements for each ingredient. For every single drink, you’ll need 2 oz. of bourbon, 2 teaspoons (or 1 cube) of granulated sugar, 2 oz. of water, and around 8 sprigs of fresh mint.
When it comes to making the julep, some people prefer to use a shaker while others just prefer to mix it in the glass. If you’re using a shaker, start by muddling the fresh mint until it’s reduced to a paste. Then, add the bourbon, sugar, and water and shake until all the ingredients are mixed together. For a more authentic experience, you can also skip the shaker and just muddle the mint in the glass with a muddler, then add the bourbon and sugar, give it a stir and finally add the water.
Garnish and Serve
Once you have the julep mixed and ready, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Start by adding a few large chunks of ice directly to the drink to give it that signature Frosty look. Finally, garnish the Mint Julep with some fresh mint sprigs and a bright red cherry. For an added touch of elegance, adding a skewer of two cherries on the rim of the glass is a nice touch.
Now that your perfect Mint Julep is made, it’s time to enjoy. Take a sip and you’ll be immediately transported to the warm, carefree days of the south, complete with a sweet, subtle hint of bourbon in the background. Enjoy!
Conclusion
The classic Mint Julep is a classic of the south and an iconic summertime drink. With the right bourbon, sugar, water and mint combo, you’ll be able to mix up the perfect julep in no time. So go ahead, grab a bottle of bourbon and get to mixing!
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