There’s something about spring that makes me crave a refreshing cocktail. With Derby and Steeplechase season upon us, there’s no better time to learn how to create the perfect Mint Julep.
Being a self-professed, amateur bourbon enthusiast, sipping on a Mint Julep while listening to the birds chirp on a warm afternoon calms my spirit.
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You’ll find multiple recipes for creating this timeless cocktail. However, after experimenting with several variations, I have included below an easy method for a tasty, mint-inspired beverage.
Start with a Julep Cup
The first step in creating the perfect Mint Julep is to use what we in the South call a “julep cup.”
Julep cups are traditionally made of silver or pewter. Their simple design enhances the flavor of bourdon-inspired drinks and helps keep them cold. Yes, many bars and restaurants serve Mint Juleps in cocktail glasses, but that’s an easy cop-out for not wanting to polish and maintain Julep cups.
In the late 1700s, silversmiths and pewter makers in Virginia and Kentucky introduced this classic cup. Today, julep cups are best associated with horse racing events like the infamous Kentucky Derby and various steeplechase events throughout the South.
Sterling silver makes the best Julep cups. However, silver-plated or pewter cups work well, too. You can find them at upscale, southern gift shops, Amazon, or antique stores.
Use Fresh Mint
You can buy mint at most grocery stores, but the best mint is garden-fresh. Mint is fast-growing and easy to cultivate. Some gardeners complain that it spreads too quickly and can overwhelm other plants. Hmmm, that never was a disadvantage to me.
Fresh mint leaves are key when making a Mint Julep.
Begin by muddling the mint leaves. Slapping them against your hand is one method to release the aroma. It’s best to muddle the leaves slightly. However, don’t over-muddle or crush them.
Make a Simple Syrup
Some mint julep recipes call for powdered sugar. Maybe it’s me, but I’ve never created a good Mint Julep using raw or powdered sugar.
Creating a simple syrup is, well, extremely simple. I start with boiling three cups of water. Next, I add two cups of sugar. Some use a 1:1 water/sugar ratio. That’s fine if you prefer a sweeter taste. I find the 3:2 ratio works for me.
After adding the sugar, reduce the heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Set your pot aside. Once it has cooled, transfer the liquid into a glass container. I like to add a few mint leaves before using or placing in the refrigerator.
Bourbon or Rye?
Mint Juleps are traditionally made with bourbon. Remember, all bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. If you want to know the difference, you can read about it in a separate article.
A qood quality bourbon or rye creates the perfect Mint Julep.
Wheated bourbons (Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace) provide a sweeter taste. Much like making an Old Fashioned, I prefer using a good rye whiskey since it isn’t as sweet as bourbons, especially since you’re adding a sugar-based syrup.
Whether you choose rye or bourbon, I recommend a proof of 90 to 100. I know all you self-appointed bourbon collectors want to impress your friends using your best collectible bourbons. Nonetheless, please don’t waste bourdon that should be drunk neat or over a large cube by making this or other cocktails.
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A good bourbon, such as the two mentioned above, or a respectable rye from Bulleit, Woodford, or Angel’s Envy, works fine. And don’t use your best stuff. Again, you’re diluting with simple syrup, so you won’t be able to taste the difference between a $25 bottle and a $125 bottle.
Crush the Ice
Ice cubes work best for some cocktails, but not a Mint Julep. Crush the ice in a blender or food processor, draining the excess water.
Finally, Create a Perfect Mint Julep
- Fill your julep cup three-quarters full with crushed ice.
- Add two shots (or fill half-full) with rye or bourbon.
- Use your mint syrup for the remainder, the top with another spoonful of ice, stir.
- Garnish with fresh mint.
For your final touch, use linen cocktail napkins. Offering your guests a polished julep cup with a paper napkin is like wearing a clip-on necktie or bowtie. Don’t get me started; just enjoy this magnificent cocktail.