Red roses, elaborate hats, bets and bourbon can only mean one thing—the Kentucky Derby!
The Mint Julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1939 and is the most iconic sporting event drink. It’s a near-perfect sip on a hot, sunny day. According to the Kentucky Derby’s website, between the Kentucky Oaks (the day before the big race) and the Derby itself, nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are consumed on-site. All this requires more than 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 1,000 pounds of mint leaves, and 60,000 pounds of ice. Sounds like a rough Sunday morning. 😉
History Of The Mint Julep
Interestingly enough, however, its origins aren’t in Kentucky at all, but rather, the Middle East.
This cocktail’s origins date back to the late 1700s and ‘Julep’ is based on an Arabic word, ‘Julab,’ meaning ‘rosewater’. Originally, the julep was a medicinal drink, which makes sense because distilled rosewater was often a base for many home remedies in ancient times. In the Mediterranean, indigenous mint replaced the rose petals and the “mint julep” was born. Mint has been a known medicinal herb for millennia, particularly used to treat stomach and digestive ailments.
The mint julep’s proposed medicinal value reached America in the 18th century. Full of warm, high proof rum or brandy, honey and muddled mint, it was both preventative medicine and a kickstart to the day. They didn’t have aspirin and other pain medication in those days, so you would make a Mint Julep instead. Bourbon to soothe your aches and pains, sugar to give you some energy, and mint to help open the eyes.
Kentuckians were big fans of horse races and the mint julep was a very popular drink during that time, so naturally the two became synonymous.
Why Crushed Ice & Silver Cup?
To cut the bite of the strong bourbon, wealthy drinkers with access to an icehouse chilled their juleps. However, at the time ice was only in big block form, hence the iconic crushed iced in the Mint Julep.
If you are a cocktail lover, you already know how important the glassware is and how it can enhance the taste. The iconic Julep silver cup stems from the tradition of jockeys winning silver cups as trophies, which started around the same time the mint julep was becoming popular at the Kentucky Derby.
Derby Food & Drinks
Horse racing is cool and all, but I am here for the food and drinks (per usual) and there are many classic dishes associated with this “holiday”. Some of my favorites are deviled eggs, pimento cheese, crab dip, burnt ends all washed down with refreshing minty cocktails with my absolute favorite summertime necessity…nugget iced (the nugget ice maker of your dreams).
This Mint Julep recipe is classic and iconic for a reason but here are some fun twists that, dare I say, are even better.
This classic mint julep recipe is a must-have for any derby day party and while you might just be watching at home with friends, you can still join in on the derby action, learn how you can bet at home.
Although first Saturday in May might be the most iconic day to sip a Mint Julep, the refreshing cocktail is welcome year-round.
Cheers!
Gina
Ingredients
- 8 mint leaves, plus springs for garnish
- 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon (I recommend Woodford Reserve)
- Nugget or crushed ice
- Brown Sugar (optional)
Mocktail:
- Use iced tea instead of bourbon
Instructions
- Chill the julep cup hours in advance or overnight (*optional: rim the cup with brown sugar for a fun twist)
- Pack cup with crushed ice
- In a mixing glass, combine mint, simple syrup and bourbon
- Lightly bruise mint leaves with a muddler, strain contents into julep cup
- Garnish with 3 generous sprigs of mint (Make sure to slap mint and insert a straw into the ice near mint)
- Top with additional crushed ice and Enjoy!
- Don’t forget to always use a straw (eco-friendly of course)
Notes
*You can try subbing the simple syrup with honey, it will round out the sweet notes