Mint Julep: History of a Classic Cocktail
It’s May, which means millions of Mint Juleps are made over Kentucky Derby weekend. But where did this drink come from? Why is it connected to the Kentucky Derby? We break everything down for you in our latest edition of history of a classic cocktail: Mint Julep.
Origins of the Julep
Although deeply connected to the American south, the julep actually originated in the middle east. The Julep was an arabian drink made of rose petals and water. The drink was first made for princesses and quickly gained popularity as a health elixir. It was prescribed for shortness of breath and stomach issues. Once the julep made its way to the Mediterranean, mint replaced the rose petals as the herb of choice. Even Michelangelo was known to have a daily julep routine.
Julep Comes to America
As wealthy settlers started coming to America, they brought the julep with them. These early settlers combined rum or brandy with sweetened water and mint to create a more pleasant drink. This high-society drink was usually consumed in silver stemware and always served with ice (a luxury only the wealthy could afford at the time).
As America gained its independence in the 1700s, the types of popular spirits began to change. Bourbon began to take hold as a popular spirit, particularly in the south. By the 1800s, bourbon replaced rum as the primary spirit for the julep and the modern cocktail was born. The U.S. Senator from Kentucky, Henry Clay, supposedly introduced the cocktail in Washington DC at the Round Robin bar, and the popularity grew.
Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s many mentions of the Mint Julep are found in historical records. Everything from Army Generals drinking them for breakfast, to Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Jackson enjoying the drinks, the Mint Julep became a stronghold in southern American life. Even Margaret Mitchell made several references to the cocktail in her classic novel, Gone with the Wind.
Mint Julep and Horse Races
The history of the julep and horse racing in Kentucky goes back to the origins of races. Historians note that it was the chosen cocktail even in early horse races. The Mint Julep became the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby in 1938.
Today, roughly 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend. This includes more than 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 1,000 pounds of fresh mint, and 60,000 pounds of ice.
How to Make a Mint Julep
Today’s classic mint julep is a perfect combination of mint leaves, simple syrup, and bourbon whiskey, all served up in a julep cup.
Ingredients
4 to 5 mint sprigs, leaves only
2 sugar cubes, or 1/2 ounce simple syrup
2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
Mint sprig, for garnish
Directions
Place mint leaves and simple syrup into a julep cup. Muddle well to release the aroma from the mint leaves and dissolve the sugar. Add bourbon. Fill the glass with crushed ice and mix well until the cocktail becomes frosty. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Cheers!
