In the realm of classic Southern cocktails, there's one libation that reigns supreme: the Mint Julep. This refreshing and flavorful drink has been a staple of Southern hospitality for centuries and is especially synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. Sip on this timeless classic as you experience a journey through history, tradition, and the delightful flavors of bourbon, mint, and sweet simplicity. Whether you're a seasoned julep enthusiast or a newcomer to the Southern cocktail scene, let's embark on a refreshing adventure as we uncover the secrets behind creating the perfect Southern Living Classic Mint Julep.
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SOUTHERN LIVING CLASSIC MINT JULEP
Southern Living's recipe for THE drink of the South. So refreshing on a hot day... and the booze helps you forget how hot it is! ;-) The recipe author suggests using the Mint Simple Syrup in the OTHER drink of the South - sweetened iced tea.
Provided by KissKiss
Categories Beverages
Time P1DT20m
Yield 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- To make the Mint Simple Syrup, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Boil, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat, add mint, and let cool completely.
- Pour syrup into a glass jar, then cover and chill 24 hours. Remove the mint and discard.
- To make the drink, place mint leaves and Mint Simple Syrup in a chilled julep cup. Gently press the leaves against the cup with the back of a spoon to release flavors.
- Pack the cup tightly with crushed ice and pour the bourbon over ice. Insert a 4-inch cocktail straw, place mint sprig directly next to straw, and sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
SOUTHERN BELLE MINT JULEP
A mint julep is the perfect respite on a hot day. Vivek and I have gone to the Steeplechase, the Nashville version of the Derby, where we fell in love with this quintessential Southern favorite. I add a dash of chile in the form of jalapeno in honor of all the awesome Southern belles I have met who pack a punch and have a dash of spice to their personalities.
Provided by Maneet Chauhan
Categories beverage
Time 5m
Yield 1 serving
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Muddle the mint leaves with the bourbon, maple syrup and jalapeno syrup in a tall pint glass or cocktail shaker.
- Fill a mint julep glass with crushed ice. Top the glass or shaker with a cocktail strainer, then pour the bourbon mixture over the ice and top with the lemon-lime soda. Slap the mint sprig to release the oils and add it. Add the jalapeno slices directly to the ice and serve.
MINT JULEP
The mint julep is a drink steeped in rich history. What most don't know is that, before the drink became a signature bourbon cocktail, it was actually made with rum. The South willingly traded tobacco for the spirituous libation, distilled by New England settlers. Rum soon became, in the opinion of many, all too popular. "Demon rum" became the impassioned denunciation from Colonial pulpits. The planter's morning draft, the julep, was made of rum long before corn whiskey made its appearance.Now, the mint julep has cemented its spot as one of the South's signature cocktails, with bourbon replacing rum as the spirit of choice. This beverage is packed full of fresh mint, giving the cocktail a light, refreshing flavor. Be sure to use good bourbon in these stiff Kentucky cocktails- this handy guide will help you select the best bourbon for your mint julep. Serve at your next Derby party, and complement the cocktail's flavors with a decadent Kentucky Bourbon Pie for dessert!
Provided by Southern Living Editors
Time 31m
Yield Makes 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place 6 mint leaves in a serving glass. Gently press leaves against glass with back of spoon to release flavors. Add 1 tsp. powdered sugar and 1 tsp. water, stirring gently until sugar is dissolved. Pack glass tightly with crushed ice, filling glass two-thirds full. Pour 2 oz. bourbon over ice; stir briskly. Add additional crushed ice to fill glass. Add 1 oz. bourbon. Place glass in freezer; chill 15 minutes. Repeat procedure with remaining ingredients. Garnish, if desired.
CLASSIC MINT JULEP
Steps:
- Gently bruise one of the mint sprigs in the bottom of a highball glass with the Simple Syrup, then add the bourbon. Strain into a julep cup, add crushed ice until overflowing, and garnish with the remaining mint sprig.
- Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 1 month. Yield: 1 1/2 cups
SOUTHERN MINT JULEP
A true southern tradition. So smooth and mellow. Wonderful for a hot summer's day, swinging slowly on a porch swing ; )
Provided by Bev I Am
Categories Beverages
Time 2m
Yield 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place mint in blender; add water and sugar.
- Blend until leaves disappear, add ice and bourbon; blend a few seconds.
- Pour into frosted glass or julep cup which has been filled with finely chopped ice.
- Stir and decorate with a sprig of mint.
- Serves 1.
- Note: Serve with a short straw that is no taller than the mint, so one enjoys the aroma as well as the taste.
HENRY CLAY'S SOUTHERN MINT JULEP
In an age devoted to convenience and speed, the julep throws up some major hurdles. Although it contains only three ingredients -- sugar, bourbon and mint -- it requires time and patience to make. The drink requires large quantities of crushed ice. To lay the foundation for the drink, it is first necessary to muddle the sugar with a little bourbon and a few mint leaves. It should be served with two straws and garnished with a nice bush of mint, sprinkled with a little powdered sugar, please. And of course, you'll want to serve your juleps in a silver or pewter mug.
Provided by William Grimes
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a tall crystal tumbler, gently bruise the 12 mint leaves, and muddle with sugar and a dash of bourbon.
- Fill the glass halfway with cracked ice, and agitate with a spoon.
- Pack the rest of the glass with ice and fill with the rest of the bourbon and equal parts fresh water and carbonated water.
- Garnish with mint sprig. Twist a lemon zest over the leaves, and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with two short straws.
Tips:
- Use fresh mint: Fresh mint is essential for a classic Mint Julep. Look for mint with bright green leaves and a strong, minty aroma.
- Muddle the mint gently: When muddling the mint, use a light touch. You don't want to crush the mint leaves completely, just release their flavor.
- Use a good quality bourbon: The bourbon is the star of the show in a Mint Julep, so it's important to use a good quality one. Look for a bourbon that is at least 80 proof and has a smooth, mellow flavor.
- Don't over-stir the julep: Once you've added the bourbon and simple syrup to the mint, stir it just until the ingredients are combined. Over-stirring will dilute the julep and make it watery.
- Serve the julep immediately: Mint Juleps are best served immediately after they are made. The ice will start to melt and dilute the julep over time.
Conclusion:
The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It's refreshing, minty, and delicious. Whether you're enjoying a day at the races or just relaxing on your porch, a Mint Julep is the perfect drink to sip on. 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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