While the origins of the mint julep recipe are not totally known, there are references in American history that places the cocktail’s humble beginnings sometime in the 18th century. The mint julep is known as a southern drink and today you will hear plenty of mention of this mixed cocktail in reference to the Kentucky Derby. In fact, for a few hundred years, this drink was served during the horse races as a way to cool down in the heat.
The Basics of the Mint Julep Recipe
A traditional mint julep recipe calls for four ingredients: bourbon, mint, sugar and water. There are other variations that call for brandy or rum, but a mint julep recipe made with one of these liquors is not considered a true mint julep. This cocktail belongs to a group of drinks called smashes in which the components are crushed or smashed together to bring out the flavor of it for serving.
By tradition, this drink is served in silver julep cups, although way back when it was likely pewter cups. You only held the julep cup by the very top or very bottom edges of the cup so as to allow the sides to frost up to retain the drink’s cold temperature.
Making the Mint Julep Recipe
There are a number of ways to make a mint julep recipe and all of them have the same ingredients. It is the preparation however that determines exactly how the julep will taste. Here is one basic mint julep recipe that many bars and restaurants use to prepare this mixed cocktail:
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar (extra-fine if possible)
2 cups water
¼ cup clean fresh mint leaves
Bourbon
Crushed or cracked ice
To make the mint julep syrup, heat the water to almost boiling and then stir in the sugar to dissolve. Remove from the heat and gently stir the fresh mint leaves, reserving a few leaves for garnish; allow this mixture to steep for about thirty minutes so that the flavors can mingle.
For one mint julep, add the ice to a traditional julep glass or a regular glass along with 1.5 ounces of bourbon, give or take a splash or two, depending on how strong you want your mint julep recipe. Then add 2½ teaspoons of the sugar syrup and gently stir. Use some of the reserved mint leaves to garnish the cocktail. Present your mint julep recipe with two short straws.
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