Mint juleps have their moment in the sun come Saturday, when people who don't normally muddle sugar and mint with bourbon will be doing just that (and looking for silver julep cups) in honor of the Kentucky Derby. This recipe from Gourmet actually simplifies the process...
We've read many different methods for making a mint julep. Some call for muddling mint and sugar in the glass, but Gourmet (and, for that matter, the official Kentucky Derby website) calls for making a mint-infused simple syrup that you can keep in the fridge.
With the flavored simple syrup, all you have to do is add it to a glass with some ice and bourbon and give it a stir—much less labor-intensive if you're serving a crowd.
• Get the recipe: Mint Julep, from Gourmet
We do love the way a cold drink fogs up the outside of a silver cup with condensation. It's too late to order julep cups online, but you can usually find them at fine gift stores (that sell china or tableware), antique stores, and sometimes florists, who use them as bud vases.
Related: Summer Cocktail: Bourbon Mint Tea
(Image: Stephanie Foley for Gourmet)
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As a lifelong Kentuckian and (for a period of time) a bartender, I feel qualified to clue you in on a little secret. Hardly anyone in Kentucky drinks mint juleps, even at Derby time. In fact, it was always an easy way to spot an out-of-towner. It really is a vile drink. If you're coming down to visit us here this weekend and want to drink like the locals, I would suggest ordering a Maker's and Coke. Maker's Mark is a vile bourbon, but it's very popular and it's even almost drinkable when you drown it in cola.
I lived in Kentucky for many years, and though I was not born there I still consider myself a Kentuckian. I like a good mint julep (some are really bad) and I guarantee if you showed up at my friends' place on Derby Day in the Highlands you would see 40-50 natives of Louisville and about 25% of them would be drinking Mint Juleps. They may not drink them any other day, but they will have one or two on Derby Day.
I love them personally. But the mint syrup is kind of yucky. It's easier - and tastier in my opinion - to just muddle your mint leaves with sugar and then add ice and boubon.
Only a badly made julep is vile. It's like powdered lemonade mix instead of fresh-squeezed.
I've never had a mint julep but they always make me think of the Great Gatsby. Remember when Tom, Daisy, Nick Jordan and Jay Gatsby drive into town and rent a hotel suite to have drinks. Yeah, that's decadent.
Elizabeth,
As I scroll down, I like to play the game where I see if I can guess who wrote an entry before the name pops up. I can usually tell which ones will be yours. Love it.
When I turned 21 my mother gave me a collection of assorted/mismatched antiquish silver julep cups. What a lady! :)
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As a Kentuckian, while I can say that I'd rather have good bourbon on the rocks, a well-made mint julep is certainly not vile! It doesn't taste the same if it's not in a julep cup with perfectly shaved ice though. I received a collection of silver and pewter ones for my wedding, which are also perfect as water cups!
Mint juleps are also nice with something savory for Derby: Asparagus Rollups (http://www.recipezaar.com/Blue-Cheese-Asparagus-Rollups-11618
A well-made mint julep is a thing of beauty. Yes, it tastes best if you muddle fresh mint and sugar (or simple syrup); but the main reason hosts serve it as a mint-simple-syrup and bourbon mixed drink is simply to avoid guests having little green bits stick in their teeth. Oh, and because muddling is kind of a giant pain. Set out a pitcher of mint simple syrup next to your bourbon, and guests can (and will) help themselves.
It's true, no one in Kentucky (well, in Louisville anyway) drinks mint juleps any other time of year. It's a seasonal thing! Embrace it!
Oh, and Maker's Mark is totally decent. It's not a Bulleit or Woodford Reserve; but it knocks Jack Daniel's out of the freakin' park.
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WHAT?! A mint julep is NOT vile! Ok, so I've only had one my entire life, but that was less than a week ago at Churchill Downs on opening day. It was surprisingly refreshing and delicious!
But, it is most definitely a seasonal drink, that I've only known people to drink around Derby time.
PS. Check out my mint julep cupcakes!
It's like a bourbon mojito.
Those mint cupcakes would be great for St. Patties day too Uptown Girl!
Another Kentuckian, born & bred, chiming in here to say that a well made julep is absolutely not vile. I know tons of Kentuckians who drink them at Derby time. In fact, usually it's the Kentuckians who appreciate them, while the tourists are the ones who can't take drinking one.
Art- You know, I live right around the corner from a mojito bar and have been drinking them since before they were "popular", and enjoy making them at home. So when I had my first mint julep, I had that SAME thought. I was like, Wow, it's like a bourbon mojito!
I love mojitos & now I love mint juleps, I think because of the few simple ingredients, and the mint!
Cupajo,
I registered at this site just to say this.
Sorry, but you have no idea what you're talking about. I can't speak about Kentuckians, but I can speak of Virginians. I know Virginians who drink Juleps, especially in the hottest part of the summer, and they are WONDERFUL if properly prepared and presented.
The key in my mind is not to bulk produce them with the simple syrup mixture. Just use plain white sugar in the bottom of the glass, muddle with some mint and bourbon, pack to the top of the glass or Julep cup with finely powdered ice, adding some mint as you go up the glass, and then pour over with bourbon, stir and enjoy... in a proper, frosted silver Julep cup if possible. The longer it takes you to drink, the better the drink gets, as the mint infuses through the drink. But don't drink a second. They're kind of sweet, and that's overkill. Use a very good bourbon and follow the above advice, and you won't go wrong.
By the way, I've introduced more than a few people to the Julep after I moved to hot, sunny southern California. I have yet to meet one person who didn't like my Juleps, when I have time to mix them properly.
p.s. Maker's Mark is far from the best, but it's also far from vile.
I made a tumbler of mint julep on Saturday (my first) and not only was it absolutely delicious on an unseasonably hot day, but it made the Running of the Roses even more enjoyable than it ever has been!