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If you're having a Kentucky Derby Party, or just watching the race, you may want to be sipping a mint julep, which has been the traditional Derby drink since 1938. This guide will show you how to make this tasty drink, so you're ready when race day arrives!
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Mint Julep Tips
- For visual learners, check out Mahalo's how to make a mint julep videos page.
- Make the mint syrup the night before.
- You can extract or muddle the mint if you don't have time to make syrup.
- Use a silver or pewter cup if you want the traditional frosted cup.
- If you substitute vodka for the bourbon, you're making a Kremlin Colonel.
- Non-traditional garnishes include orange slices, pineapple, and cherries
- Prior to the Civil War, mint juleps were made with whiskey or brandy
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Introduction
- The mint julep has been associated with the Kentucky Derby since 1938. Even people who are not usually fond of bourbon have been known to quaff this minty concoction on Derby Day. You don't need to travel to Kentucky to enjoy a julep, however. This guide will teach you how to prepare this Southern favorite no matter where you live!
How to Make the Perfect Mint Julep
The bartender from the Willard Intercontinental hotel in Washington D.C. demonstrates how he makes the mint julep recipe that Senator Henry Clay introduced to Washington. The Intercontinental mint julep muddles the mint leaves with sugar, rather than preparing a mint syrup. The drink also contains water, which lowers the alcoholic impact of the bourbon.
What You'll Need
Mint Julep Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons mint syrup
- Usually prepared the night before.
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 fresh mint sprig, for a garnish
- Crushed ice
Mint Julep Equipment
Ingredients for Mint Syrup
- 2 cups simple syrup
- 6-8 sprigs of mint
There are several methods for giving the julep its mint flavor. If you are making a last minute decision to have a julep, this recipe demonstrates a technique that uses a mint extract. You can also muddle the mint and sugar, as in this recipe.
Prepare the Mint Syrup
- Add 6-8 springs of fresh mint to 2 cups of simple syrup.
- Bruise or bend the mint leaves before adding them to the syrup, to prime their flavor.
- For extra mint flavor, add the mint to the sugar and water as you make your simple syrup.
- Allow to steep overnight.
- Strain, and discard the mint leaves.
- Refrigerate until ready to prepare the juleps.
Making a Mint Julep
- Fill a 10 ounce glass, or julep cup, with crushed ice.
- Add 1-2 Tablespoons of mint syrup.
- Adding extra syrup can make the drink more appealing to those new to mint juleps.
- Add 2 ounces of bourbon.
- Stir well to combine.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Mint Julep Tricks and Tips
- The traditional silver cup is used because it "frosts" up from the ice.
- The Food Network suggest sprinkling powdered sugar on top of the ice as a final garnish.
- Spearmint is traditional. If you can't find spearmint, though, peppermint will do.
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