Where it comes from
The mint julep is a classic American Southern cocktail dating to the 18th century; it became the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, where it is served by the thousands each year.
On the plate
Cold and bracingly aromatic, the drink leads with a rush of fresh mint and sweetness before the warm, oaky bite of bourbon comes through. The crushed ice keeps it frosty and dilutes it slowly into a smooth, refreshing sip.
How it works
Gently muddling the mint bruises the leaves to release aromatic oils without extracting bitter chlorophyll from torn tissue. Finely crushed ice has a large surface area that frosts the metal cup and chills the bourbon rapidly while diluting it gradually.
Variations
Peach julep, sorghum or honey sweetened, frozen julep, non-alcoholic mint and tea version
On the Palate
Ingredients
Serves 1How it's made
8 steps · Show ↓5 min active
How it's made
8 steps · Show ↓- 11 min
Place a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup.
- 21 min
Add sugar or a splash of simple syrup over the mint.
- 32 min
Gently muddle the mint and sugar to release the oils, without shredding.
- 42 min
Pack the cup tightly with finely crushed ice.
- 51 min
Pour the bourbon over the crushed ice.
- 62 min
Stir briefly until the metal cup frosts on the outside.
- 71 min
Top with more crushed ice to form a dome.
- 81 min
Garnish with a generous mint sprig and serve with a short straw.
