What is a mint julep? Recipe for the official Kentucky Derby drink

Mint julep is a cocktail typically associated with the American South and particularly popular in Kentucky.

It is traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, water, and fresh mint. The cocktail is often served over crushed ice in a silver or pewter cup.

Mint Julep - origins

The term “julep” has been historically associated with sweet and refreshing beverages that were once used for medicinal purposes. Its origins can be traced back to the Spanish “julepe,” derived from the Spanish Arabic and Persian word “Golâb,” meaning rosewater.

English juleps were typically lightly alcoholic and medicinal, often containing camphor. It wasn’t until the 18th century in the southern United States that the mint julep, now an iconic drink associated with the Kentucky Derby, existed.

Historical evidence of the mint julep’s early origins can be found in literary works, such as a satirical play by Robert Munford in 1770, where a drunken character named “Mr. Julip” appears. A poem published in the Williamsburg Virginia Gazette in the same year describes the drink as a concoction “Which doctors storm at, and which some adore.” Additionally, the 1784 Medical Communications prescribe the mint julep to a patient suffering from nausea, retching, and dif.

Mint Julep - recipe

Here’s a recipe for the official Kentucky Derby mint julep:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

To make the simple syrup, combine sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let the syrup cool before using.

Note: The official Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe includes a sprig of fresh mint for garnish and a silver cup. However, if you don’t have a silver cup, you can use any julep cup or rocks glass instead.