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Recipe
How to make
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Directly in a glass, crush the mint in the simple syrup.
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Pour in the bourbon then fill the glass with crushed ice.
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Stir gently with a mixing spoon.
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Garnish with a sprig of mint.
About
The Mint Julep is said to have originated in the 18th century, and while its earliest traces are difficult to pinpoint, several theories agree that the cocktail originated on the plantations of the American South. At that time, it was consumed primarily as a remedy for various ailments, including dyspepsia and stomach aches, thanks to its ingredients like fresh mint and alcohol.
The first Mint Juleps were made with brandy, but over the years, bourbon whiskey took over from brandy, cementing the cocktail as a key part of Kentucky bourbon culture. Sugar and water were added to sweeten the mix, and of course, the mint, freshly picked, provided its distinctive aroma, giving the drink a sweet and refreshing flavor.
This cocktail became popular in the 19th century, particularly among Southern aristocrats, who adopted it as a drink of choice during their social gatherings. The Mint Julep then became a symbol of refinement and conviviality, and it was served in silver or metal glasses to preserve the drink's freshness and add a luxurious aspect.
The Kentucky Derby, a legendary horse race held each year, is now inseparable from the Mint Julep. It is during this event, where thousands of glasses are served, that the cocktail finds its place in the collective imagination. Each year, tens of thousands of Mint Juleps are tasted by spectators of the Derby, consolidating the place of this cocktail as a true symbol of the culinary heritage of the American South.
