Mint Julep is much more than a Kentucky Derby drink and comes with a very interesting – and probably the longest – history compared to any other cocktail. It is the most iconic drink that is consumed in copious amounts – on the first Saturday of May every year – to the thunderous sound of horses as they raced down the homestretch of Churchill Downs, competing to be the crowned winner of the annual Kentucky Derby.
What is a Mint Julep?
The Mint Julep is a mixed drink – or cocktail – which consists primarily of bourbon, water, sugar, fresh mint leaves, and shaved or crushed ice. This bourbon-based cocktail is associated with the cuisine of the Southern United States and the American South in general, and Kentucky Derby in particular.
Mint Julep: A Brief History
Lovers of Mint Julep have taken the time to delve deep to find out the origins of the word “Julep,” and it is alleged to have originated from the Middle East. Inhabitants of the area – which is around the eastern Mediterranean – would mix rose petals into their water to enhance its taste. The consumption of this mixture – known as “Julab” – became a tradition and was carried on for several years. And soon enough, rose-water was replaced with mint-water.
Fast forward to the United States of America in the 18th century, i.e., the 1700s. It is a typical American thing to always experiment with new concoctions with liquor, especially if the mixture tastes good with pure water. Thus, southerners proceeded to prepare a blend of mint and liquor – which was then called “Julep” – for no other reason than the fact that, well, most Americans struggle with foreign words.
It is alleged that the first mention of “Julep” was in a London book authored by John Davis dated 1803 and it was titled “Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States of America.” In his book, John Davis described julep as “a dram of spirituous or alcoholic liquor with mint steeped in it and consumed by Virginians every morning” (paraphrased).
Davis continued on how he grew to fall in love with whiskey based on the simple fact that he could have it in Juleps. However, the author did not specify the type of whiskey he was referring to. Mint Juleps, however, like sours and can be made with various spirits.
But what is more interesting about the mention of this word “Julep” in the 1803 book was that it was until 1806 that the word “Cocktail” was mentioned for the first time. Nowadays, most whiskey or bourbon lovers refer to virtually anything that is mixed with liquor as a “cocktail,” back in the day, there were several categories of alcoholic drinks, and the cocktail was retained for a specific type.
Mint Julep eventually became a hit in several important places around the world and throughout history. This has resulted in a modern-day invention that many individuals use regularly.
Henry Clay, a Kentucky Senator – nicknamed the Great Compromiser – is credited with introducing Mint Julep to Washington DC. This was during the time of his stay at the illustrious Willard Hotel, and the incidence took place during a disagreement with a British naval hero about the perfect way of making a Mint Julep, right in the Round Robin Bar. Since Clay hailed from a bourbon country, he claimed that the best Mint Juleps are made with bourbon.
Mint Julep: Henry Clay’s Method of Preparation
The following (paraphrased) lines were obtained from the Kentucky senator’s dairy: “The fresh and tender mint leaves should be pressed – with the back of a silver spoon – against a coin-silver goblet. You should only bruise the mint leaves gently and then remove every one of them from the goblet.
Half fill the vessel with cracked ice and then pour sweet bourbon – which has undergone aging in charred, oaken barrels – from the jigger. Allow the liquor to slide slowly through the pieces of cracked ice.”
“Get another container and place granulated sugar in it. Then, mix the sugar with chilled limestone water to make a silvery mixture or paste that is as smooth as rare Egyptian oil, and decadent on top of the ice.”
“As beads of moisture appear on the burnished surface or exterior of the silver goblet, proceed to garnish its brim with choice sprigs of mint.”
Mint Julep: Marvin C. Stone’s Innovation
It is a widely held belief that the Julep also inspired at least one other person in the 1800s, a gentleman who was known by the names Marvin C. Stone. This gentleman was purportedly sitting outside somewhere in Washington DC, sipping a Mint Julep through a shaft of ryegrass which was the custom at the time.
Now, ryegrass has this awkward side effect of making most alcoholic beverages taste somewhat grassy, and this did not go down well with Marvin. Well, he decided to do something about it and made a bold attempt to change things up a bit by searching for a better way.
Marvin C. Stone got hold of a piece of paper and wrapped it around a pencil. This formed a tube of sorts which he glued, thus creating the first “straw” and the precursor of modern-day straws. Marvin went ahead to invent the machine which coated his invention with paraffin so that it can be used multiple times without becoming soggy. He ended up patenting his innovative creation sometime in 1886, all thanks to the Mint Julep.
Mint Julep: Its Rise in Popularity After Prohibition
The success of Julep was tarnished severely – just like many other things – by Prohibition, and when it ended, Bourbon soared dramatically in popularity. Many critics argue that this development would not have occurred if not for the unfortunate downfall of rye whiskey.
Soon enough, the Mint Julep regained its popularity among enthusiasts and was usually enjoyed at the track, especially on a hot day. But patrons started stealing the fancy Julep Cups, and this became a big problem.
However, when Churchill Downs got wise to this development, he ensured that all the metal Julep Cups were withdrawn and replaced them with collectible cups. During this period, Mint Juleps were sold for approximately 75 cents; this included the price of the collectible cup as well.
By 1938, Churchill Downs went ahead to name Mint Julep as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, and that was how the drink was tied forever – and firmly rooted in Southern American culture – and to the legendary run for the roses.
Since then, and every year, nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are served at Churchill Downs throughout the two days of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, all in collectible cups or glasses. Churchill Downs allegedly goes through 60,000 pounds of ice, 1,000 pounds of freshly-harvested mint, and more than 10,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep mix every year.
Mint Julep and the Contract Arrangement
There is a contract agreement between Churchill Downs and the Brown-Forman Corporation – which has lasted for over 18 years – in which the Early Times Mint Julep Cocktail was designated the “official Mint Julep of the Kentucky Derby,” even though the Early Times that is sold in the United States is not a bourbon but a Kentucky whiskey. This was due to the fact that it was aged in used or old, oaken barrels as against new, charred ones.
All the same, Old Forester – which is a product from Brown-Forman Corporation as well – replaced Early Times Mint Julep Cocktail in 2015, and became the “official drink of the Kentucky Derby” as it is sold as “Old Forester Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail.”
Churchill Downs has also served – since 2006 – custom-made, extra-premium Mint Juleps at $1000 each at the Kentucky Derby. These Mint Juleps – which are usually served in gold-plated cups along with silver straws – were made from Woodford Reserve bourbon while the mint was imported from Ireland, sugar from Australia, and spring water ice cubes from the Bavarian Alps.
The proceeds from this development are channeled towards supporting charitable causes that are dedicated to retired racehorses. Early Times, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve are sister brands as they originate from the same source, i.e., Brown-Forman under the terms of the present-day marketing agreement with Churchill Downs. Woodford Reserve is known as the “official bourbon” of the Kentucky Derby.
Mint Julep: Do You Know You Can Try These?
Mint Julep was not always made with bourbon. In Maryland, it was served with rye whiskey while in Georgia, it was made with peach cognac. You can also create an outstanding one with mezcal or with rum and brandy. So, do not limit yourself to the use of Kentucky whiskey. Just make sure that you use the freshest mint at all times.
Why Do People Drink Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby?
It doesn’t matter whether you plan to enjoy the race live at Churchill Downs or just stay at home and watch it in your living room, one thread that passes through nearly all viewers that have attended this annual event is the sipping of a refreshing Mint Julep.
Mint Julep has been around for an incredibly long time, and legend even portrays it that the founder of the Kentucky Derby, Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. planted mint – for cocktails – back in 1875. However, as you learned earlier, the cocktail was made the official drink of the race in 1938. One thing is clear, however; drinking Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby has become something of a tradition, and there is no sign that it is going away any time soon.
How to Choose the Best Bourbon for Your Mint Julep
Ruining a good cocktail with the wrong bourbon is a cardinal sin, and this is why this section is dedicated to helping you choose the best bourbon for your Mint Julep.
As you know by now, Mint Juleps represent the whole essence of Southern cocktails. All that is required for you to start enjoying the classic version of this cocktail are bourbon, fresh mint leaves, and simple syrup. You can even refrigerate your leftover simple syrup for about a week and use it for sweetening your iced teas.
Southerners are highly respected for their devotion to bourbon, the sweet syrupy golden-brown liquor, and many folks can even create several cocktails featuring this spirit. But every year, when the month of May rolls around and the time to plug into the events at Churchill Downs, only one mixed bourbon drink matters at this juncture: Mint Julep.
Mint Julep is a cocktail that deserves the right bourbon if you must enjoy it to the fullest. There are several options available out there, so how do you pick the best one for you? Although this decision ought to be left to your taste buds, you shouldn’t rely on the 100 percent. But the following tips should set you on the right path so that you can make the best choices.
Region of Origin
Tennessee whiskey is good, but it really does not come close to the perfection that Kentucky bourbon lends to the best cocktail that is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of individuals at the state’s most celebrated event.
Kentucky is the home of over 20 fully-functional distilleries that produce more than 200 brands (collectively), from the famous Maker’s Mark to Knob Creek, the small-batch favorites. So, if you want to enjoy your Mint Julep without any hiccups at all, the best way to do this is by making it with at least two parts Kentucky bourbon.
Price Point
Mixing the best cocktails do not have to require the use of expensive bourbons. This is because it does not make any real difference, whether you make use of a top-shelf bourbon or its counterpart. And this is primarily because the other ingredients that make up a good Mint Julep – i.e., fresh mint leaves and sugar – can mask the subtle differences of top-shelf bourbon from the bottom shelf ones.
Prices indeed vary from one state to another as well as from one store to another, but generally, you should not spend more than $45 on alcohol that you are only going to stir or shake.
Of course, this is not to imply that you should go for bottom shelf bourbon as you may not get that well-crafted libation you desire. However, do your best to find a middle ground; a bourbon that is not expensive enough to make you break the bank, yet cheap enough to give you the best Mint Julep without sacrificing quality.
A cardinal rule that you can adopt is that anything you set your eyes on – at eye level – in a local liquor store is very likely going to bear a pocket-friendly price for mixing your cocktails.
Ingredients
More often than not, bourbons are rye-based or wheat-based. You won’t go wrong with either version, though you may have to contend with the slightly different flavors with each. Rye-based bourbons – such as Wild Turkey – are spicier while wheat-based bourbons – like Old Fitzgerald – are sweeter and smoother.
Others – such as Buffalo Trace – strike an excellent balance between the different flavors, thereby giving you the very best of both worlds. So, everything is all about preference. All that matters here is that you know what you are pouring into your Mint Julep cup.
Age
Every bourbon lover knows that the longer the spirit ages, the richer – and more complex – the bourbon will taste. It is not a good idea to go for flavors that will be covered up by the many ingredients in your cocktail, and more aged bourbons can bring about such an outcome.
Therefore, stick to younger bourbons, i.e., those within the 5-year range – which may be somewhat lighter but will be the perfect summer alcoholic beverage for you.
Mint Julep: The Best Bourbon
Opinions vary when it comes to finding the best bourbon for your Mint Julep. There are several options out there, but if you read and follow the information supplied in the previous section, you will be able to make excellent choices as regards the type of bourbon to go for.
However, most folks who are pros at making and consuming Mint Juleps agree on one thing: Mint Juleps need bourbon with a good kick – i.e., 90 proof or even higher – to hold up to crushed or shaved ice, and a warm day. Therefore, the following are the top picks as recommended by pros:
Wild Turkey Bourbon 101
Wild Turkey Bourbon 101 is a low-proof product which goes straightaway into the barrel for aging without any attempt to increase it. The low-entry proof of this sweet and vanilla-flavored spirit results in the squeezing out of more flavor from the mash, thereby giving this brew a notable flavor.
It should, therefore, come as no surprise when – after 8 years of aging in charred, new American oaken barrels located in Lawrence, Kentucky – Wild Turkey Bourbon 101 is obtained from the barrel at 109 proof (54.5 percent alcohol by volume) before it is proofed down a bit.
Bourbon /50.5% ABV / Kentucky, United States Wild Turkey 101 is different for good reason, and it all comes down to premium ingredients, select barrels, and a lot of patience. Wild Turkey ages the whiskey longer in new American White Oak barrels with the deepest possible char, cutting no corners across all of our bourbons and giving each one distinctive and rich flavor.
Old Forester Signature 100 Proof Bourbon
Bourbon /50% ABV / Kentucky, United States Old Forester 100 Proof is handpicked from select barrels resulting in a spicy and robust Bourbon. It is bottled at 100 Proof to maintain its distinct character and cater to those who enjoy a higher proof.
Old Forester Signature sort of replaces the flagship Old Forester classic bourbon and its proof is up to 100. This rich and spicy spirit is distilled at the Brown-Forman Distillery – which has been around since the 19th century, circa 1860, and was known as Early Times Distillery – in Shively, Kentucky. This was long before the first Kentucky Derby.
The name “Old Forester” was adopted in honor of a physician who used to prescribe the bourbon – for medicinal purposes – to his patients at a period when it was still sold in some pharmacies. This 100 Proof formula has chocolate and coffee on the nose which is followed closely by toasted oak and sweet apple on the palate.
Nevertheless, the signature for this brew gets its name – which is also displayed on every bottle – is George Garvin Brown, the founder of the brand. For those who are not interested in making their own Mint Julep, Old Forester also makes a premixed variety available for the public, and it comes in at precisely 60 proof.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Bourbon /56.6% ABV / Kentucky, United States Bottled at 108 to 114 proof, Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength amps up the front-of-the-palate flavors of Maker’s Mark®. In other words, it’s Maker’s™ with a lot more Maker’s™.
Maker’s Mark is made of a wheated mash bill, giving it such a natural depth that perfectly complements the mint and sugar in Juleps. It is a blend of about 19 different barrels with varying ages and proofs, culminating in 113.2 proof (56.6 percent alcohol by volume) spirit which is bottled entirely in 375ml bottles. This vanilla and spicy-loaded spirit belongs to Batch No. 14-01 and is composed primarily of red winter wheat, Maker’s Mark corn, and barley mash bill.
As a full-bodied bourbon, the dark fruit and molasses flavors that come out can hold their own quite impressively, even after getting diluted with ice. All you need to do is to make sure that you have more than enough fresh mint leaves and an endless supply of this bourbon to enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Bourbon /47% ABV / Kentucky, United States Elijah Craig is credited as the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels, earning his place in history as the 'Father of Bourbon.'
Elijah Craig is purportedly the father of bourbon, and it is a pocket-friendly alcoholic beverage. The sweetness of the corn pairs exceptionally well with other ingredients that make up the brew.
One of the best ways of enjoying your drink is to make use of simple syrup over one cube of sugar in your Mint Julep. Everything blends into the mint and bourbon more thoroughly and topped with a lot of finely crushed ice, you will be on a refreshing journey to cloud nine.
Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Bourbon /35% ABV / Kentucky, United States A delicate fusion of flavors from seventh-generation distillers, this straight bourbon features a handpicked blend of 4- and 7-year-old bourbons, for an exclusive small-batch whiskey that honors its deep family origins.
The Yellowstone brand was established by Taylor & Williams in the 19th century, i.e., 1872 to be exact, and is named in honor of the national park. Since then, the brand has moved around over the years from one distillery to the other. The present owner of the brand, Luxco, sources bourbon from neighboring distilleries in Kentucky.
But lately, Luxco took a 50 percent stake in the Limestone Branch Distillery which is run by Paul and Steve Beam. In 2015, the Beams placed the first batch of their new bourbon in barrels for aging, and they have plans to release the spirit under the Yellowstone label.
The Select is a unique selection of casks which were chosen by Steve Beam himself to manifest the heritage of the Yellowstone name. This unique selection is made up of 4- and 7-year old, high-rye, and spicy bourbons.
New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Bottled in Bond
Bourbon / Kentucky, United States New Riff's Single Barrel Bourbon is a high-rye, full-bodied whiskey offering savory, spicy character, bottled at barrel proof without chill filtration.
This Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the first batch of the spirit – which was made in the New Riff Distillery. Although it was established in 2014, the distillery was patient enough to allow the distillery-made bourbon to age for 4 years. This full-bodied and spicy bottled-in-bond, the non-chill-filtered release is composed of a mash bill made up of 3 non-GMO grains comprising 65 percent corn, 30 percent rye, and 5 percent malted barley.
The vanilla and butterscotch notes in this brew pair excellently well with the sugar in the Mint Julep, and there is no need for you to worry that the ice will dilute the 100 proof spirit.
New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon was made available at the distillery in 2018 with a wide distribution in New York, Minnesota, Kentucky, New Jersey, Indiana, and Ohio.
Old Grand-Dad Bonded Bourbon
Bourbon /50% ABV / Kentucky, United States Old Grand-Dad was a real person, which should not surprise you if you’ve read any of the words on this page. He was a distiller named Basil Hayden who made his name by distilling a bourbon whiskey made with a higher percentage of rye.
Old Grand-Dad Bonded Bourbon is based on a high-rye formula that was made famous by Basil Hayden, whose picture is boldly printed on the label, and made by his grandson. This bottled-in-bond version – which implies that it was all distilled within the same calendar year – and allowed to age for a minimum of 4 years under strict government supervision. It is bottled at 100 proof (50 percent alcohol by volume).
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Bourbon /46% ABV / Kentucky, United States Made with wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, our signature Small Batch Wheated Bourbon delivers a smoother taste that’s hard to resist.
Larceny is a brand extension of Old Fitzgerald’s line, Heaven Hills. According to the story about this development, John E. Fitzgerald, back in the day, used his influence and privilege of holding the keys to Pappy Van Winkle’s bonded warehouse. This was where the Old Fitzgerald bourbons were also kept, and his goal was to steal the best casks for himself. These casks were known as the “Fitzgerald Barrels.”
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a wheat brew that is composed of a blend of select barrels which were made in honor of this legend. It is bottled at 92 proof (46 percent alcohol by volume) and bears no-age-statement.
Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon
Bourbon /63.2% ABV / Kentucky, United States George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages for nearly a decade and boasts the bold character that is reminiscent of the man himself.
The fruity and rich Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon was first introduced in 2013 and is available uncut – i.e., no water added – and unfiltered like George T. Stagg, its “bourbon father.” Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is distilled at Buffalo Trace with each batch varying in both age and proof. But you should expect the bourbon to be about 8-9 years old with proofs that range in the 130+ area.
Stagg Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon is much easier to find – and more affordable – than its predecessor.
Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye
Whiskey / Kentucky, United States The Michter's Straight Rye is taken at barrel strength and aged for an additional period in a second custom barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 24 month air dried wood and then toasted by not charred. The result is a unique Rye whiskey.
Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye comes with vanilla flavor and a bit of softness from the corn taming things. The brew, which is perky with rye, has a soft, sweet spice that is overlaid with cooling ice and mint.
Koval Bourbon
Bourbon /47% ABV / Illinois, United States KOVAL Bourbon offers a drinking experience that is balanced, approachable, and unparalleled. The unusual grain combination provides notes of mango chutney and vanilla on the palate, with a peppery caramel finish.
Koval is a brand that is renowned for its high-quality products – as well as the people behind it who are respected for their integrity – and is allegedly the first Chicago distillery that was established in the 1800s. The family-owned business employs organic processes as well as ingredients while micromanaging the entire distillation process, thereby showing their undiluted commitment to excellence and passion for quality.
Koval – which translates to “black sheep” – is a perception of others in the same industry that they have fully embraced.
Knob Creek 100 Proof
Bourbon /50% ABV / Kentucky, United States For a 100 proof it's rather easy to drink neat. It's smooth and warming without a whole lot of burn.
Knob Creek 100 Proof has a sweet, oaky body and is nutty on the nose. This spirit is an excellent example of what you can enjoy when a brew comes in at 100 proof. The fruity sweetness on the front as well as on the back of the palate pairs remarkably well with the mint in your Julep. And as the Mint Julep melts a little bit, these flavors get better every step of the way.
Woodford Reserve
Bourbon /45.2% ABV / Kentucky, United States The perfectly balanced taste of our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is composed of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes.
This list will not be complete if the official bourbon of Churchill Downs where the annual race for 3-year old horses is held – known as Kentucky Derby – is not added. Woodford Reserve is carefully crafted by Chris Morris, a master distiller who works with a wide variety of flavors including mint. Every year, a custom label for the Derby is put out.
Barton 1792
75cl / 46.85%
Formerly known as Ridgemont Reserve, 1792 is a bourbon distilled in Bardstown and named for the year that Kentucky became a state. A bit of a hidden gem, with a very low profile despite a huge 94.5 points in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2013.
It is possible that the first time you heard about Barton 1792 Distillery was when a rickhouse collapsed or the massive mash spill accidents that occurred a few years ago. It is also possible that you may have known them long before these incidents.
However, what you may not know is that they produce an award-winning full proof bourbon which is yet another excellent option for making Mint Julep. You will enjoy the notes of spice lead caramel, oak, vanilla, and caramel, all of which are supported by a solid backbone.
Four Roses Single Barrel
Bourbon /50% ABV / Kentucky, United States Four Roses Single Barrel is a high-rye Bourbon made up of the OBSV recipe and hand selected by our Master Distiller – one barrel at a time – based on maturation and taste. Complex flavor revealed through a simple process.
Single Barrel – with a high rye content of 35 percent – is considered one of the best spirits in the Four Rose line of products. It comes in at 100 proof and explodes with pleasant flavors right from the onset.
In a Mint Julep, these flavors translate to a sustained oak and honey flavors which go incredibly well with the sweetness enhanced by sugar syrup.
Rabbit Hole Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon /47.5% ABV / Kentucky, United States Distinct and unorthodox, this expression builds on the legacy of these great bourbon pioneers and sets a new standard for American whiskey. Crafted from a unique mash that couples malted grains with corn, this superpremium bourbon combines depth with style. Deliberately distilled from our proprietary cooking process and aged in hand-selected barrels, this authentic whiskey is expressly crafted in small batches to yield a flavor like no other.
Rabbit Hole Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a new addition to the list of the best bourbon for Mint Julep. It is also a product of one of the new distilleries established in Louisville and is made with a mash bill that is not uncommon in bourbon: 70 percent corn, 10 percent malted honey barley, 10 percent malted barley, and 10 percent wheat.
This remarkable mix of grains gives this spirit a fantastic honeyed flavor which serves to emphasize the mint in your julep in a subtle way.
How to Make the Finest Mint Julep
There are plenty of versions of the Mint Julep cocktail worldwide, and we always love exploring new recipes that you can try at home. If you have already tried the classical version of the cocktail, and you already love it, here is how to make it at home! Also, if you are a cocktail lover, you will definitely get to love.
Old Fashioned Mint Julep Cocktail
Ingredients
For the old fashioned version of the Mint Julep Cocktail you will need:
- 12 Mint leaves (only 8 will be used in the cocktail itself)
- 1 tablespoon of white granulated sugar
- 1.3 oz Bourbon (you can choose your favorite brand)
- Ice
How to Make It
First of all, you need to put the mint leaves in a glass or a tin can for cocktails, and then add the sugar. Once you “beat” the leaves with the sugar, add ice in your cup (preferably small cubes), pour the bourbon inside and stir it with a long spoon. In the end, garnish it with mint leaves and serve!
Becherovka Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 1 oz of bourbon whiskey (preferably Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace or Jim Beam)
- 1 tablespoon of Becherovka Liqueur
- 1 oz Forester Signature Bourbon Whiskey (possibly the 100 proof)
- Mint leaves
- Ice
How to Make It
The Becherovka version of this Mint Julep cocktail is done in a very similar way. So you will need a glass or tin can and start by adding the mint leaves and beat them until they release the flavor.
The next thing to do is to add the Becherovka liqueur which has a herbal taste and add the whiskeys. Stir them well, and add crushed ice to the top of the glass, and finally garnish it with a few mint leaves.
Rye Whiskey Mint Julep
Ingredients
There is another herbal version of the Mint Julep cocktail, so here is what you will need:
- 2 oz of Bourbon (preferably Hayden’s Straight Bourbon or Jim Beam)
- 2 drops of Angostura bitters
- 1 tablespoon of simple syrup
- Thyme sprigs for garnishing
- Ice
How to Make It
If you want a strong herbal flavor, muddle some fresh thyme and place it in the glass, if not, skip this step and start by adding the Bourbon, Angostura bitters, and simple syrup together, and mix them with a spoon.
Next, set a large tin cup, or large glass and fill it with ice in small cubes. In the end, add the previous mixture and decorate with a few thyme springs.
Chartreuse Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 1 oz of Bourbon (preferably Maker’s Mark)
- 0.5 oz of Green Chartreuse
- Mint leaves
- Thyme
- Ice
How to Make It
First, start by muddling the mint leaves along with the Chartreuse liqueur until you create a nice green blend. Then, pour the bourbon and stir it together, and then add crushed ice in the glass or metal cup. In the end, garnish with thyme and mint.
Blueberry Mint Julep With Jam
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz of Bourbon (Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam)
- 1 tablespoon of Bonne Maman Blueberry Jam
- 1 drop of Angostura Bitters
- 1 tablespoon of sugar in powder
- Ice
- Basil, blueberries, and lemon for decoration
How to Make It
In a shaker, add the basil leaves with sugar and beat them. Then add two ice cubes, 1 tablespoon of Angostura bitters, and 1.5 of Bourbon and shake them well. In a long glass, place a few blueberries in the bottom, add the mixture, and put a few ice cubes, along with already cut pieces of lemon and fresh basil. Now, you’re ready to serve.
FAQs About Mint Julep
This is all up to personal taste, but some of the greatest combinations include bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Elijah Craig and Koval. They are decent priced, and have a wheated mash bill that blend perfectly well with the mint.
No. Not at all. Mint Julep can be served in different glasses and in different variants, so both genders can enjoy this delicious drink.
The traditional recipe involves bourbon whiskey, so it might not be the best choice to add scotch whiskey, as you will change the recipe and you will not be able to experience the real flavor of the Mint Julep cocktail.
Conclusion
Drinking mint julep should not be regulated to the Kentucky Derby only. As long as you can get your hands on any of the best bourbons for making a mint julep, making a few cups shouldn’t be too tricky, especially with summer fast approaching.
So, go out there, get those bourbons, and make this summer an enjoyable one for you and your friends or family, garnished properly with mint julep!
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