Ha! In other words I had zero knowledge on mixing drinks. This is not a knock against Maker’s – at the time I had two questions: A) what is simple syrup?, B) how do I make it? Also, I knew nothing about muddling. I used Maker’s Mark and my first attempt was sugary swill. He gave me a rough breakdown in a knowing tone (he was older) and off I went. I had a college friend that was from Tennessee who had attended the Kentucky Derby and he was all about them. It’s been (at least) 15 years since I first attempted to make a Mint Julep. If you choose to wear a big hat while doing so, be sure to tag your photo on Instagram with #HumbleGarnish. I think the spearmint gives it a more aromatic and softer taste than the peppermint, but did enjoy the change.įind the full recipe below, slip slowly, and ease into the Southern pace. I had no particular reason, but would like to compare these side by side. I also switched it up by using fresh peppermint instead of the standard spearmint. Single Barrel (or any other high-proof bourbon) is an excellent choice to balance the sweetness and dilution of a mint julep. It sounds delicious, and, considering the donation level (“cost”), at least you get to keep the commemorative cup.Īt 100 proof, I think E.H. For the past 10 years they have varied their recipe slightly, and this year they used Woodford’s Double Oaked Bourbon, coconut palm sugar, chocolate mint, powdered sugar, and garnished with candied orange and lemon slices. Woodford even offers a $1,000 mint julep, which benefits the Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program.

Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, but I chose to use E.H. However, if you want the ultimate in convenience, check out the GE Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker. This pebble or crushed ice will aid in frosting the glass, whether it’s silver or glass. For the home cocktail enthusiast, I’d suggest buying some pebble ice, especially if you have Sonic Drive Ins in your area. It is just harder to maintain size consistently. In my opinion, pebble ice is key to any julep, but you can also get great results with crushed ice. While technically it only has three ingredients, do not forget what I say – “Always use quality ice.”, which also means the appropriate ice. The mint julep is not only a culturally iconic and classic cocktail, but it is a dead simple cocktail to make. For fashion advice on large hats, I’d suggest Pinterest. This event is the Kentucky Derby, and while I know next to nothing about horse racing, I can give you some pointers for making the perfect mint julep. Once a year a free pass is given to non-Southerners which allows them to wear big hats and to sip minty-sweet bourbon drinks with abandon. “ They are, in fact, like the American ladies, irresistible.” – Frederick Marryat, on mint juleps

Best kentucky derby mint julep recipe