Mint Juleps are the drink of choice at the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby odds might not be in your favor, but mint juleps will. They are delicious and need only a few ingredients: bourbon, water, sugar and mint. Please note the following: I do not own a traditional silver mint julep cup and neither does anyone I know. I prefer to use an old fashioned glass for my "home style" julep. I also do not keep any of those little swizzle straws you find in bars in my cupboard. So, here is my non-traditional-made-at-home mint julep with simple syrup.
Juleps originated in the southern US. What I find intriguing is the provenance of the word Julep. My research tells me that this is a derivative of the Persian word golab which means rose water. The connection is a liquid infused with a plant oil or fragrance. Juleps belong to a class of drink called "smashes" because of the muddling the mint leaves in the glass. The smashing of the leaves releases the oils thus enhancing the flavor.
You do not want to be too aggressive with the muddling or you will release the chlorophyll cells and change the flavor. You really only need to slightly crush the surface of the leaf and combine with the simple syrup. Approximately 120,000 juleps are served at each Kentucky Derby. Now, that's a lot of mint muddling!!
Juleps at the Derby
The Kentucky Derby is famous not only for very fancy hats, but also for its "most expensive" juleps which can cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,000. The ingredients are carefully chosen hence the cost. For example, one year sugar from a small plantation in Madagascar producing only a limited amount of pounds per year was chosen for the simple syrup. Proceeds from the sale of the juleps goes to fund a charity for older horses.
Julep Origins
When you first open bourbon it's always a good idea to take a small sip just to be sure it's OK. Interestingly, I've never once found a bad bottle. Anyhow, the tradition of the mint julep goes back to 1938. The Libbey company of Toledo, Ohio was the supplier of the glasses the mint juleps were served in. When juleps were first introduced, the management at Churchill Downs soon noticed that the glasses were disappearing. You guessed it!!! Customers were taking them as souvenirs. To curb theft, management instituted a .25c charge for the glass. Apparently it worked. To this day the Libbey Company is the supplier of glasses to Churchill Downs.
The famous sterling cup used today showing an emblem of a horseshoe was introduced in 1951 and holds 12 fluid ounces. I always look forward to the Kentucky Derby and my delicious mint julep. I am hoping that the mint in my backyard decides to wake up from its winter nap just in time.
The mint julep recipe I share with you today is made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, the bourbon of choice at the Kentucky Derby and homemade simple syrup that I keep in my reCAP Mason Jar.
If you want to explore some interesting cocktails here are a few more to try or bookmark for later. One of my favorite summer cocktails is this blue margarita made with fresh lemon juice. If you like rum then you have to try the Hemingway daiquiri and enjoy the history of this classic cocktail. If you like something a little sweeter then break out the blender and enjoy the tropical flavors of my frozen mango with mint cocktail.
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Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe - How to Muddle and Mix
Here is a classic mint julep recipe I serve for my Kentucky Derby gathering. This cocktail has an interesting history with the silver cup used at the derby I think you'll enjoy along with the drink!
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz bourbon Woodford Reserve is traditional
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 8-10 mint leaves
- ½ cup crushed ice
For the simple syrup: ( makes a large batch)
1 cup sugar & ½ cup water
Instructions
Rinse mint leaves and place in a cocktail glass. Gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup. Fill the glass with crushed ice, add bourbon and stir. Enjoy!!!
- Simple syrup: Mix water and sugar in a microwaveable glass measuring vessel. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes. Remove promptly and stir until dissolved. Allow to cool and store in the refrigerator.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
Analida, this looks like such a wonderful cocktail! Pinning and sharing! I need to try it soon...thank you for sharing it with us at #FoodieFriDIY!
Analida
Thanks Michelle!
It is indeed a great cocktail. One of my favorites.
I hope you try it soon.
Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth
As a frequent Kentucky Derby attendee, I loved seeing that I'm not the only related post on Tell em' Tuesday! I've had a couple of sips of the thousand-dollar julep and I can admit it's tasty! Though, unless it has an Hermes label, I'm not sure much is worth $1k!
Analida
Jessica, we love mint juleps at our house. Our mint patch exists just for the Mint Juleps, lol.
I would love to have a sip of the famous $1K julep. 🙂
Krayl @ An Appealing Plan
Love Woodford and Mint Juleps! Let the Derby parties begin!
Analida
Yay!!! 🙂
Laura @MotherWouldKnow
Analida, I love mint juleps almost as much as the wonderful history lesson. If there are 120,000 mint juleps served at the Derby, I'd love to know how many are in attendance - sounds like a lot of "mint juleping" per person:)
Analida
I would like to know how many people attend too!!! Interesting question. 🙂
Kampe
Quite a nice work you do trying to pull out all those words and were they originated. Interesting blog with great contents.
Analida
Thanks Kampe. I always like to include history and origins in my blog. I think it makes for an interesting read, and I enjoy doing the research too. 🙂 By the way, this mint julep recipe is great. Mint juleps are so refreshing.