Bar Stool Fridays - Derby Drinks

The mint julep is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby and more than 100,000 are served at Churchill Downs over the course of the race weekend.  As part of a contract with Brown-Forman Distillers, the drinks at the Derby are made with either Early Times or Woodford Reserve.  (NOTE: Early Times is not officially a bourbon, but a Kentucky whiskey.)  You don't have a contract with Brown-Forman, though, so in making your julep you should use the bourbon that you enjoy drinking.

This ode to the mint julep by J. Soule Smith was published in the Lexington Herald in the late 1800’s.  It is a long piece of prose for a blog entry, so feel free to skim it...you will get the idea with just a few phrases.  Reading it made me thirsty…

The Mint Julep

Then comes the zenith of man’s pleasure. Then comes the julep – the mint julep. 

Who has not tasted one has lived in vain. 

The honey of Hymettus brought no such solace to the soul; the nectar of the Gods is tame beside it. It is the very dream of drinks, the vision of sweet quaffings.

The Bourbon and the mint are lovers. In the same land they live, on the same food they are fostered. 

The mint dips infant leaf into the same stream that makes The Bourbon what it is. The corn grows in the level lands through which small streams meander. 

By the brook-side the mint grows. As the little wavelets pass, they glide up to kiss the feet of the growing mint, and the mint bends to salute them. 

Gracious and kind it is, living only for the sake of others. Like a woman’s heart it gives its sweetest aroma when bruised. 

Among the first to greet the spring, it comes. Beside gurgling brooks that make music in the fields, it lives and thrives. 

When the bluegrass begins to shoot its gentle sprays towards the sun, mint comes, and its sweetest soul drinks at the crystal brook. 

It is virgin then. But soon it must be married to old Bourbon. His great heart, his warmth of temperament, and that affinity which no one understands, demands the wedding.

How shall it be? 

Take from the cold spring some water, pure as angels are; mix it with sugar till it seems like oil. 

Then take a glass and crush your mint within it with a spoon – crush it around the borders of the glass and leave no place untouched. 

Then throw the mint away – it is the sacrifice. 

Fill with cracked ice the glass; pour in the quantity of Bourbon which you want. 

It trickles slowly through the ice. Let it have time to cool, then pour your sugared water over it. 

No spoon is needed; no stirring allowed- just let it stand a moment. 

Then around the brim place sprigs of mint, so that the one who drinks may find the taste and odor at one draft.

Then when it is made, sip it slowly. 

August suns are shining, the breath of the south wind is upon you. It is fragrant cold and sweet – it is seductive. No maidens kiss is tenderer or more refreshing, no maidens touch could be more passionate. Sip it and dream-it is a dream itself. No other land can give you so much sweet solace for your cares; no other liquor soothes you in melancholy days. 

Sip it and say there is no solace for the soul, no tonic for the body like old Bourbon whiskey.

Compared to this guy, I can no longer claim to be obsessed with bourbon.

Here's my interpretation of his recipe.  If you have a julep cup, this is the time to use it, but if not, use a rocks glass, like me.

Mint Julep
Makes 1 drink

2 - 3 tsps mint simple syrup, divided
fresh mint
2 - 3 ounces Kentucky bourbon
crushed ice

To make simple syrup:  Bring 1 cup water and 2 cups sugar to boil in a saucepan on stovetop.

As soon as it boils, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.  Drop in 4 to 6 mint sprigs and refrigerate in covered container.

To make drink:  In glass add 1 1/2 - 2 tsps of mint simple syrup and a couple of large mint leaves.

With your muddler or wooden spoon, very gently swirl the mint leaves in the simple syrup so they are coated with the sugary goodness.  Still being very gentle, use your muddler/spoon to drag the leaves around the inside of the glass and coat the inside of the glass with the mint essence.

Remove the leaves.

I add a splash of bourbon now, no more than 1 ounce.

Now, pack the glass full of crushed ice.  You want it to resemble a snow cone.

Pour the remaining bourbon and 1/2 - 1 tsp of simple syrup on top of the ice.

Garnish with a mint sprig.

And for guests who don't imbibe...

Mock Mint Julep
Makes 1 drink

crushed ice
1 Tbsp mint simple syrup (see above)
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
ginger ale
fresh mint

In glass add 1 1/2 - 2 tsps of mint simple syrup and a couple of large mint leaves.  

With your muddler or wooden spoon, very gently swirl the mint leaves in the simple syrup so they are coated with the sugary goodness.  Still being very gentle, use your muddler/spoon to drag the leaves around the inside of the glass and coat the inside of the glass with the mint essence.  

Remove the leaves.

Add the fresh lemon juice and a splash of ginger ale.  Muddle it a bit more.

Now, pack the glass full of crushed ice.  You want it to resemble a snow cone.

Top with ginger ale and garnish with a mint sprig.  

These are refreshing drinks that will quench your thirst as you cheer for your favorite horse in the Run for the Roses.  But, don't limit this drink to only Derby weekend, it is delicious for any warm weather occasion.