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Cocktail History
The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that was created in the late 1700s in the United States. It was first used as a medicinal remedy to settle the stomach before it gained popularity among the Southern elite and eventually became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938. The recipe is traditionally made with bourbon, simple syrup, and mint, and it is served in a pewter julep tin.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, grains, malted barley, and water. We used J. Carver Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey because it mixes well in cocktails. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Whiskey in place of the whiskey.
Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water. We made ours at home using Alex’s stovetop recipe.
Mint Leaves: This is an herb. We used Mojito mint leaves.
Mint Sprig: This is an herb. We used Mojito mint.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Muddler: This is used to muddle ingredients. We used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.
Add mint leaves and simple syrup to a julep tin.
Muddle gently for 5-7 seconds.
Fill mug with crushed ice.
Add bourbon.
Stir for 3-5 seconds.
Pack mug with more crushed ice.
Garnish with mint sprig.
Ingredients
Directions
Add mint leaves and simple syrup to a julep tin.
Muddle gently for 5-7 seconds.
Fill mug with crushed ice.
Add bourbon.
Stir for 3-5 seconds.
Pack mug with more crushed ice.
Garnish with mint sprig.
Make It a Mocktail: Use Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Whiskey in place of the whiskey to try a booze-free version of this drink.
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More Bourbon Cocktails
If you like this bourbon-based cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Mountain Man: A bourbon cocktail made with lemon juice, peach liqueur, ginger syrup, maple syrup, and candied ginger
Boo Radley: A bourbon cocktail made with Cynar, cherry liqueur, a lemon peel, and an orange peel
Weathered Axe: A bourbon cocktail made with lemon juice, Combier L’Original Liqueur d’Orange, Cocchi Americano, ginger syrup, absinthe, and rosemary
Stone Fence: A bourbon cocktail made with apple cider, Angostura Aromatic bitters, and mint
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