If you’ve ever taken a trip down to the Southern United States, you may have had the pleasure of sipping on a refreshing mint julep. This minty bourbon drink is the epitome of a hot Southern summer day! It’s not just a delicious drink, though- this cold cocktail also has a rich history. Plus, with only four ingredients, it’s a super simple drink that will surely impress your friends, or just help you cool off on your back deck on a warm day.
Where Did The Mint Julep Originate?
The mint julep has been sipped in the South since the early 1800’s. The drink is most commonly associated with being served at the Kentucky Derby by the wealthiest attendees, as the ice was too expensive for the majority of the population to afford to put in a drink.
Variations of the mint julep were also seen in the late 1700’s, but not as a treat as we see the drink today! In a 1784 doctor’s records, mint juleps were often prescribed for patients suffering from sickness of the stomach.
So How Do I Make a Mint Julep?
Like most cocktails, a mint julep will differ from bartender to bartender. We’ll teach you to make the most traditional and universal way to make a mint julep. If you want to go with the full mint julep experience, serve the drink in a silver or pewter glass. This traditional serving style allows for the drink to stay colder longer (especially important in the hot Southern heat), and allows frost to form around the glass. If you don’t have a pewter or silver cup, a Collins or highball glass will do just fine.
What You Need (Makes One Cocktail)
- Three ounces of bourbon of your choice
- A handful of mint leaves, de-stemmed
- One teaspoon of sugar. The bigger the crystal, the better.
- Two teaspoons of water
- One pewter or silver cup
- A muddler
- Ice
Directions
1. Half an hour before starting, place the pewter or silver cup (or whatever glass you are using) in the fridge to chill.
2. When the glass is frosted, place the mint in the bottom.
3. Add the teaspoon of sugar and water to the mixture.
4. Crush the mixture for about ten seconds with the muddle.
5. Add the ice. If your ice machine does not make crushed ice, add your ice cubes to a plastic bag and beat with a rolling pin.
6. Pour your bourbon of choice over the ice. Stir.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Bonus tip: For decoration, feel free to garnish with a few sprigs of mint.
And that’s all there is to it! For all you need to serve the perfect mint julep, be sure to browse through SipDark.com.