Mint Julep

In honor of last weekend’s Kentucky Derby I decided to mix the Mint Julep, the official drink of the Derby. This cocktail is not just popular in Louisville on the first weekend in May, but year-round in the South and beyond. Like many classic cocktails, the Mint Julep was created in the late 1800s for medicinal purposes. The original recipe called for mint, a scoop of sugar, crushed ice and brandy. It has since evolved to the modern version which I made for our tasting, the recipe which you can find below. Another popular twist is the Peach Mint Julep, adding peach liquor for a sweeter flavor.

Recipe

*Serve in a silver or pewter cup.

Add crushed mint to simple syrup, then add bourbon, fill with crushed ice, top with mint leaves, stir once and enchoi.