How to Make Mint Juleps 5 Ways

It’s National Mint Julep Day. You would think since the drink is associated with the Kentucky Derby this day would be closer to the beginning of the month of May than the end. But do we really care when we’d rather just drink the damn thing!

Here’s what nat’lcalendarday says about the day:

National Mint Julep Day is observed annually on May 30.  Each year, people around the country gather for a glass of mint julep! This refreshing southern classic is a traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby.

A classic mint julep is made with a mint leaf, bourbon, sugar and water. In the Southern states, where mint julep is more associated with the cuisine, spearmint is the mint of choice. Preparation of the drink may vary from one bartender to another.

• It is believed that the mint julep originated in the southern United States sometime during the 18th century.
• The term “julep” is generally defined as a sweet drink, particularly one used as a vehicle for medicine.
• During the 19th century, Americans also enjoyed a gin-based julep.
• Each year almost 120,000 mint juleps are served at Churchill Downs over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.
• May 2008 – Churchill Downs unveiled the world’s largest mint julep glass (6-foot  tall).

According to sports illustrated or si.com there are 5 ways to enjoy this drink; traditional, watermelon, champagne, strawberry and sweet tea.

Traditional:

Ingredients

1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

Fresh mint

2 tablespoons simple syrup* muddled with mint

Splash of distilled water

Powdered sugar

Mint sprig for garnish

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup distilled water

Instructions

*For simple syrup, add 1 cup granulated sugar to 1 cup water in a saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar, stirring constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

Mix together simple syrup muddled with mint, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and distilled water.

Watermelon:

Ingredients:

3-5 cubes of fresh watermelon

2 parts Makers Mark® Bourbon

1 part lime juice

4 basil leaves

Mint spring

Coarse sea salt

Instructions:

Muddle mint and basil with watermelon cubes.

Stir in Makers Mark® Bourbon and lime juice.

Pour over crushed ice and sprinkle with sea salt.

Champagne:

Ingredients:

2 parts Makers Mark® Bourbon

2 parts sparkling white wine or champagne

1/2 parts elderflower liqueur

Lemon twist and mint for garnish

Instructions:

Mix together Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, sparkling white wine, elderflower liqueur.

Muddle with mint.

Pour over crushed ice and garnish with lemon twist.

Strawberry 

Ingredients:

2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

2 fresh strawberries

1 part simple syrup

6 mint leaves

1 part fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

Muddle strawberries, mint leaves and simple syrup in mixing glass.

Add Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and lemon juice and fill with ice.

Shake well and double strain into a martini glass.

Sweet Tea:

Ingredients:

4 parts freshly brewed and chilled black tea

2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

1 part simple syrup

1/4 parts fresh lemon juice

Mint and lemon wedge garnish

Instructions:

Muddle mint with simple syrup.

In a highball glass, pour Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, chilled black tea, muddle simple syrup and lemon juice over ice.

Stir and garnish with a fresh mint sprig and lemon wedge.

Yum Yum!