In the realm of refreshing summer cocktails, few can rival the allure of the classic Mint Julep. This iconic beverage, deeply rooted in Southern tradition and synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, offers a delightful symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. With its base of bourbon whiskey, the Mint Julep exudes a robust character, complemented by the invigorating freshness of mint and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup. Served in a frosted silver cup adorned with a sprig of mint, this cocktail is not just a drink; it's an experience that embodies the essence of Southern hospitality.
In this article, we present a collection of Mint Julep recipes that capture the spirit of this timeless classic while offering variations that cater to diverse preferences. From the traditional Mint Julep, crafted with bourbon whiskey and fresh mint, to captivating twists like the Blackberry Mint Julep and the refreshing Sparkling Mint Julep, each recipe promises a unique gustatory journey. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a novice seeking a taste of Southern charm, these recipes will guide you in creating the perfect Mint Julep that suits your palate and occasion.
MINT JULEPS
Sit on the front porch in your rocking chair on a sultry afternoon and sip on one or two of these. The proper way to serve a mint julep is in a frozen silver goblet, but you can use glasses instead--just use the most elegant ones you have! You can make the syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for whenever the julep mood strikes you.
Provided by jenn
Categories Drinks Recipes Cocktail Recipes Whiskey Drinks Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves
- Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw. Trim straws to just barely protrude from the top of the cups. Serve juleps on a silver platter.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 473 calories, Carbohydrate 50.3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0.1 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 3 mg, Sugar 50 g
FROZEN DERBY MINT JULEPS
Perfect for Derby Day or any day spent lounging in the sun, these cool refreshing drinks are dangerously delicious! Garnish with fresh mint.
Provided by SunnyDaysNora
Categories Drinks Recipes Cocktail Recipes Whiskey Drinks Recipes
Time 5m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Pour bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves into a blender; blend on high until combined. Add ice; blend until juleps have a slushy consistency. Divide among serving glasses.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 145.1 calories, Carbohydrate 11.1 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 8.5 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
KENTUCKY DERBY MINT JULEPS
This is a real julep, the now classic julep first served to Derby guests in 1875 by Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the founder of Churchill Downs. Now, as then, it is made with just four ingredients: finely crushed ice, a little sugar water, fresh spearmint and fine, aged, 90-proof straight Kentucky bourbon.
Provided by Suzanne Hamlin
Time 12h5m
Yield Up to 20 juleps
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- The day before serving, or even earlier, put the julep cups in the freezer. Put the water and sugar in a small saucepan, bring to a boil without stirring, and boil for 2 minutes, or until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Put the mint leaves in a glass jar or cup, pour the slightly cooled syrup over them, let cool, then cover and refrigerate for 12 hours or longer. When ready to use, strain out the mint leaves.
- Half an hour before serving, pack the julep cups tightly up to the rim with crushed ice and return them to the freezer.
- For each julep pour 3 ounces of bourbon over the ice, followed by two teaspoons of mint syrup. Do not stir or agitate. Use a cloth to hold each cup by the rim so as not to disturb the frost. Use a short straw or a chopstick to make a hole in the ice on the side of the cup and insert a sprig of mint. Serve immediately, preferably on a silver tray.
FRESH MINT TEA JULEPS
Provided by Ian Knauer
Categories Bourbon Alcoholic Kentucky Derby Backyard BBQ Cocktail Mint Summer Engagement Party Party Boil Gourmet Drink
Yield Makes 8 drinks
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Make Tea:
- Bring water, mint, and sugar to a boil in a 4-to 5-quart saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher, pressing on and then discarding mint.
- Make cocktails:
- Fill 8 (8-ounces) glasses halfway with ice. Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to each glass, then top off with mint tea.
BLACKBERRY MINT JULEPS
A Bobby Flay recipe in the March 2009 edition of EveryDay with Rachael Ray. Cooking time is resting time for the blackberry/sugar mixture. Beware. . .I felt these were VERY strong, so you may want to cut back on the amount of bourbon if you are wimpy like me!!!
Provided by januarybride
Categories Beverages
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a small bowl, mash together the blackberries, sugar and vanilla and let sit at room temperature until juicy, about 20 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl, pressing against the solids with a rubber spatula; discard the seeds.
- For each drink, place about 3 tablespoons of the blackberry syrup and 8 mint leaves into a cocktail glass and muddle together using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Fill with crushed ice, 1/4 cup bourbon and a splash of seltzer. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 293, Fat 0.3, Sodium 1.3, Carbohydrate 31.9, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 28.5, Protein 1
BLACKBERRY MINT JULEPS
A southern summer adult beverage, our mint julep features fresh blackberries, mint from your garden and a generous serving of bourbon.
Provided by By Brooke Lark
Categories Beverage
Time 5m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In blender, place 1 pint blackberries, the sugar and bourbon. Cover; blend on high speed until blackberries are pureed. Add ice. Cover; blend 30 to 60 seconds longer or until ice is crushed. Add mint leaves. Cover; blend until mint is finely chopped and mixture is well blended.
- Pour into 4 glasses. Garnish each with 1 mint sprig and additional berries. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving
Tips:
- Use fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves provide the best flavor for a mint julep. If you can't find fresh mint, you can use dried mint leaves, but they will not have as much flavor.
- Chill your ingredients: Chilling your ingredients will help to make your mint julep more refreshing. You can chill your mint leaves, simple syrup, and bourbon in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes before making your julep.
- Use a julep cup: A julep cup is the traditional glass for serving a mint julep. Julep cups are typically made of silver or pewter and have a wide mouth and a narrow bottom. If you don't have a julep cup, you can use a highball glass or a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig: A mint sprig is the traditional garnish for a mint julep. The mint sprig adds a fresh, flavorful touch to the drink.
- Enjoy your mint julep immediately: Mint juleps are best enjoyed immediately after they are made. The ice will melt and dilute the drink over time, so it's best to drink your julep while it's still cold and refreshing.
Conclusion:
The mint julep is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It's refreshing, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you're a fan of bourbon or not, you're sure to enjoy a mint julep. So next time you're looking for a refreshing cocktail, give the mint julep a try. You won't be disappointed.
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