This Mint Julep is the quintessential American cocktail, so regal that it sits at the summit of cocktail Olympus next to classics like the Martini, the Manhattan, and the Sazerac. It hails from Kentucky and Virginia and is enjoyed throughout the South. We know for sure it was consumed as early as 1790, particularly in the summertime. A particular type of spearmint, Kentucky Colonel, is best suited for the preparation of this cocktail, commonly served in a silver or pewter cup to keep it chilled longer. Since 1938, it has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, where up to 120,000 mint juleps are served over the period of two days. There are many historical and regional versions: some use bourbon, others brandy; some only tap the mint, others pulverize it into a paste. We favor a bourbon recipe in which fresh spearmint is bruised with a ladle, then sugar, bitters, and bourbon are added; the mixture is chilled overnight so the mint releases all the flavors and essential oils into the whiskey, then strained the following day for final julep preparation. To simplify this process so the julep can be made to order, we use our own homemade Mint Syrup.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　3-finger pinch fresh spearmint leaves

　　1/2 ounce homemade Mint Syrup (page 156) or 1/2 ounce simple syrup (page 154)

　　2 dashes Angostura bitters

　　1 splash sparkling water or club soda

　　2 ounces Maker’s Mark bourbon

　　1 mint sprig, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Muddle the spearmint leaves with the Mint Syrup and bitters in the bottom of a rocks or Old Fashioned glass. Add the sparkling water. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add the bourbon. Gently stir and garnish with the mint sprig.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: mint and caramel

　　

Step 3

Body: medium

　　

Step 4

Dryness: medium

　　

Step 5

Complexity: medium

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: sweet oak coming out of the cold ice

　　

Step 7

Finish: short, sharp, fresh

　　

Step 8

Glass: rocks

　　Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.