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Cocktail History
The Lumberjack Julep is a modern cocktail that was created by Josh Durr in Louisville, Kentucky. Essentially a simple variation of the iconic Mint Julep, one of the oldest known cocktails and the now official drink of Derby Day, it also calls for whiskey, syrup, and mint like the original, but this fall-inspired version uses a delicious spiced maple syrup in place of the simple.
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 Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bourbon because it has notes of caramel, pepper, and tobacco. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Whiskey in place of the whiskey.
Rye: This is a type of whiskey made with at least 51% rye grain, malted barley, corn, and water. We used Heaven Hill Distillery Rittenhouse Rye because it has a rich and clean taste with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa, and citrus. For a mocktail version of this drink, try The Gospel Responsible Rye Non-Alcoholic Whiskey in place of the rye whiskey.
Spiced Maple Syrup: This is a syrup made with the sap from maple trees and baking spices. We made ours at home using Alex’s recipe below.
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.
Tasting Notes
The Lumberjack Julep has the classic mint aroma you come to expect followed by a taste that marries strong, spicy American whiskey with the sweetness of dark maple, and all of it along with more mint lingers on the swallow.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: Although we don’t spend our days chopping logs and hauling equipment, we can definitely see how this spicy and relaxing drink could take the edge off after a hard day’s work! Or the Lumberjack Julep could at least complement a chilly night of relaxing by the fire, whatever you prefer.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Alex’s Take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I’m a huge fan of a classic Mint Julep, and this drink does its cousin justice. The maple is a sure fire winner during the autumn season, giving the drink the flair of cool air and orange leaves; the addition of rye, meanwhile, adds a soul-warming spiciness to the mix that further leans into the season. While it’s a very simple variation, it’s definitely a great one!”—
Kendall’s Take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Oof, I forgot how strong Mint Juleps were until my first sip of this recipe. After an afternoon of chopping wood, it makes sense that a lumberjack would reach for a strong, spicy cocktail, and I have to imagine that this one would really hit the spot when the leaves are changing colors all around you. I loved the addition of the spiced maple syrup to the classic template and think I’d prefer this over the original just about any day of the year. Yum!”
Recipe
Add mint leaves and spiced maple syrup to a julep tin or glass.
Muddle gently for 5-7 seconds.
Fill mug with crushed ice.
Add bourbon and rye.
Stir for 3-5 seconds.
Pack mug with more crushed ice.
Garnish with mint sprig.
Ingredients
Directions
Add mint leaves and spiced maple syrup to a julep tin or glass.
Muddle gently for 5-7 seconds.
Fill mug with crushed ice.
Add bourbon and rye.
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 and The Gospel Responsible Rye Non-Alcoholic Whiskey in place of the rye whiskey to try a booze-free version of this drink.
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More Autumn Cocktails
If you like this autumn-inspired cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Thanksgiving Nog: A dark rum cocktail made with water, heavy cream, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, ground mace, whipped cream, and a cinnamon stick
Spiced Pumpkin Punch: A gin cocktail made with apple cider, pumpkin purée, honey syrup, lemon juice, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon sticks
Flannel Shirt: A Scotch cocktail made with apple cider, Amaro Averna, lemon juice, simple syrup, St. Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram, Angostura Aromatic Bitters, and an orange peel
Pumpkin Spiced Russian: A vodka cocktail made with coffee liqueur, milk, caramel sauce, pumpkin spice syrup, and a cinnamon stick
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