The Classic Mint Julep
 

Mint Julep Recipe

By Bill Lawson

The Mint Julep originated in the Southern United States during the 18^th Century, and is frequently associated with that region in popular culture. The dictionary defines the word "julep" as a sweet-flavored drink, frequently containing medicine or alcohol. The Mint Julep is probably the most famous variety of juleps, however, and was the drink of choice for the upper class in the South.

My grandfather fixed "Mint Juleps" for me when I was a boy, sans liquor, using mint from my grandmother's flower bed. He claimed to've learned how to fix them from a steamship captain he used to work for. He and the captain would fix the drinks from the captain's office on the bank of the Mississippi River in Memphis.

It's interesting to note that some plantation owners may have had ice, even well into the summer, so they could have enjoyed Mint Juleps in the hot months when it would've made the most sense to drink them. Some plantation homes such as Waverly, had an ice pit dug into the ground in back of the manor where large blocks of ice could be cut from a nearby river in the winter and buried in the ground under sawdust, which would insulate it and keep it from melting until they wished to use it. Some bars and homes in larger cities may have had access to ice using similar methods.

We've presented here what is probably the most common recipe for the classic drink -- we hope you enjoy this flavor from nearly 200 years ago!

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces Bourbon
• 6-8 Fresh Spearmint Leaves
• 1 tbsp Caster Sugar
• 1 cup Crushed Ice

Prep time: 25 min
Mixing time: 5 min
Total Preparation Time (including preparation of simple syrup): 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Nutrition: 210 Calories

Updated: July 9, 2018