Bourbon is the most common type of whiskey used for a mint julep and is the traditional choice for this delicious cocktail. Typically, a mid-priced, or select-level, bourbon is used for a mint julep.
Among bourbon connoisseurs, two brands often mentioned in relation to mint juleps are Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve. Maker’s Mark is known for its sweetness, while Woodford Reserve has a spicier taste.
When choosing a bourbon for a mint julep, it can also be helpful to decide whether you prefer a bold, smoky flavor or a mellow and smooth taste.
No matter which type of bourbon you choose, it’s important to use a good-quality, high-proof bourbon. A good bourbon for a mint julep should have a proof of 80 or higher, meaning it is at least 40% alcohol.
Be sure to follow the cocktail recipe when crafting a mint julep and use the best-quality ingredients for the best possible taste.
What’s the alcohol for a mint julep?
The traditional alcohol for a mint julep is bourbon. This classic Southern cocktail is traditionally made with four ingredients: bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves, and crushed ice. It is usually served in a silver or pewter julep cup, which is a small mug with a slightly slanted shape, designed to keep the drink cold for as long as possible.
The base spirit for this iconic mixed drink is usually a straight, high-proof bourbon for a strong and flavorful punch. Depending on personal preference, you can also use a more mellow blended whiskey in place of the bourbon.
What whiskey do they use at the Kentucky Derby?
At the Kentucky Derby, the traditional beverage of choice is an iconic bourbon whiskey known as the Mint Julep. This centuries-old cocktail has become increasingly popular over the years, and it is made from bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves, and crushed ice.
It is typically served in a tall silver or pewter cup and is garnished with a sprig of fresh mint on top. Although any type of bourbon whiskey can be used for a Mint Julep, the official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby is Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
Woodford Reserve is a Kentucky-born, small-batch bourbon produced in Versailles, Kentucky, that has been a favored whiskey for Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby for almost two decades.
Is Jim Beam good for mint julep?
Yes, Jim Beam can be used to make a tasty and refreshing mint julep cocktail. Since it is a bourbon whiskey, it has a nice, smooth flavor, and it has a moderate alcohol content that is perfect for a summer beverage.
To make a mint julep using Jim Beam, pour 2 ounces of whiskey into a highball glass over crushed ice, and stir in 2 tablespoons of simple syrup and 8-10 fresh mint leaves. Muddle the mint and syrup together and fill the glass with more crushed ice.
Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves, and serve. Jim Beam is a great choice for making a mint julep, as its rich flavor and subtle sweetness will enhance the refreshing citrus notes of the cocktail. Enjoy!.
What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
Bourbon and whiskey are both types of distilled alcoholic beverages made with various grains. However, bourbon is primarily made with corn as the main grain. To be classified as bourbon, the whiskey must be at least 51 percent corn and aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels.
In contrast, whiskey is made from a variety of grains, including corn, rye, wheat and barley, and must be aged for at least three years in charred oak barrels.
Bourbon has a distinctive sweeter taste due to its high content of corn. Whiskey can range from sweet to smoky in flavor depending on the type of grain used in making it. It also often has a certain level of smoky flavor due to the charred oak barrels used in aging it.
In terms of alcohol by volume (ABV), bourbon is typically around 40%, whereas whiskey can range from 40-to-63% ABV.
In the United States, bourbon is protected under U. S. law, meaning that all bourbon must be produced in the USA. In contrast, whiskey is not protected under U. S. law and can be produced anywhere in the world.
How much is a bottle of Woodford Reserve?
The price of a bottle of Woodford Reserve varies depending on size and location. Here in the United States, a 750ml bottle of Woodford Reserve typically retails for around $39.99, though prices can differ if purchased from a duty-free shop, liquor store or other outlet.
Specialty sizes such as the 375ml bottle and the 1L bottle can cost between $19.99 and $59.99, respectively. Woodford Reserve also produces gift packs, Master’s Collections and classic bourbons that may carry a higher price tag depending on the exact product.
Online and delivery stores may also charge slightly higher prices, but in most cases shipping is free and many retailers offer discounts or rewards programs.
What size is a mint julep cup?
A mint julep cup typically holds between 8 and 10 ounces. It is also slightly smaller than a traditional highball glass, but larger than an Old-Fashioned glass. The size of the cup varies depending on the recipe and how much liquid is used for the cocktail.
A few different types of mint julep cups are available in stores, but silver is the traditional choice. The reason for the silver cup is because it helps to keep the drink colder for longer, allowing for a better tasting drink.
Some recipes also call for a chilled cup, so it’s important to pay attention to the recipe and follow the instructions.
Why is a mint julep served in a silver cup?
The traditional mint julep, namely the one served at the Kentucky Derby, is served in a silver cup because it has been a staple of Southern culture for centuries. The use of a silver cup to serve the mint julep is attributed to the wealthy Southerners during Colonial Virginia as silver was considered a status symbol.
Not only is the silver cup a symbol of Southern hospitality, but the metal surface also helps to keep the icy beverage cold. While the classic Kentucky Derby serves their mint juleps in a silver cup, the cups are actually more commonly made of pewter or stainless steel.
Silver mint julep cups can be expensive and delicate, and the stainless steel cups are more durable and less expensive, but still considered to be a very classy way to serve the beverage.
The silver cup also adds a bit of a rustic and vintage element to the presentation of the drink, making it a perfect accompaniment for the ceremony and tradition of attending the Kentucky Derby. There is no denying the traditional and classic style that the silver cup adds to the Kentucky Derby mint julep.
How do you clean a mint julep cup?
Cleaning a mint julep cup is a delicate process that requires special care and attention. Before beginning the cleaning process, it is important to make sure that you have the right supplies. You will need either some distilled white vinegar or a spray bottle of vodka, a soft cloth, and some neutral dish soap.
First, tap out any remaining ice or mint leaves from the cup and make sure to remove any sugar or cocktail mix that could be resting on the bottom or sides. You do not want these ingredients to start fermenting while they are stored.
Next, fill the cup halfway with warm water and add a tablespoon of the dish soap. Allow the cup to soak for 5-10 minutes to help get rid of any oils, sugar, and other ingredients that may be left behind.
If there are still stubborn stains, you can use either the distilled white vinegar or vodka in a spray bottle. Spray the inside of the cup and use the soft cloth to scrub away the stains. Be sure to rinse the cup thoroughly before you dry it off.
Finally, after you have completely dried the cup, it is ready to be stored away or used again for your next mint julep cup experience.
Which mint is used in a mint julep?
A mint julep is typically made with fresh mint and can include spearmint, peppermint, or a combination of both. The most common mint used in a mint julep is spearmint, which lends a bright, refreshing note compared to the more earthy flavors of peppermint.
The mint leaves are typically muddled in the bottom of the glass with a bit of sugar and then mixed with crushed ice and bourbon. If desired, a sprig of fresh mint can be added to the top of the drink to finish.
What’s a mint julep made of?
A mint julep is a refreshing cocktail traditionally made with Kentucky bourbon whiskey, mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice. To make a mint julep, begin by muddling a few sprigs of fresh mint in the bottom of a julep cup or highball glass.
Next, add 2 ounces of bourbon whiskey and 1 ounce of simple syrup. Fill the cup the rest of the way with crushed ice, and stir everything together until the cup is frosted on the outside. Finally, garnish with a few sprigs of mint and a straw, and enjoy!.
Where do Mint Juleps come from?
Mint Juleps originated in the Southern United States, particularly in the region of Kentucky. Evidence suggests that the drink first started appearing in the mid-1700s. The recipe requires mixing bourbon whiskey with sugar, water and a few sprigs of fresh mint.
This concoction is often served in silver or pewter cups, which give the drink its iconic look. Over the years, the Mint Julep has become closely associated with the Kentucky Derby and is considered to be a Southern classic.
As a result, it has gained popularity from across the country and beyond. In addition to being served as a classic cocktail, the Mint Julep has also been used as an ingredient in a variety of other drinks such as mojitos and other fruity cocktails.
Why is it called mint julep?
Mint juleps have been around since at least the 18th century, and their name is derived from the Old French term “julep” which translates to “sweet, distilled beverage. ” This beverage is traditionally made with bourbon whiskey, sugar, crushed ice, and fresh mint.
It’s believed that the addition of the fresh mint was an effort to mask the flavor of the whiskey, which was an acquired taste in the eighteenth century. Other reports suggest that the earliest versions of this drink were made with Calvados, a distilled apple brandy from Normandy.
The combination of the Calvados, sugar, and mint created a “punch” of sorts. Over time, the popularity of this drink began to increase and its name changed to “mint julep” as the whiskey became a standard ingredient.
Now, the mint julep is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby and is a true southern favorite.
What is the word julep mean?
The word “julep” is a type of alcoholic beverage made with sugar, water, and spirits such as whiskey, brandy, or rum, as well as fresh mint. It is usually served cold in a tall, silver or pewter cup, with a straw to help keep the drink cold.
It is traditionally associated with the Southern United States, though its origins date back to 16th or 17th century Persia. In the United States, juleps are most commonly associated with the Kentucky Derby, an annual horse race held in Louisville, Kentucky.
Drinking mint juleps is considered a Derby tradition, and the cocktail has become part of the city’s culture. Additionally, juleps are popular components of classic American cocktails such as the Whiskey Julep and the Mint Julep.
As well as being enjoyed as an alcoholic beverage, juleps are also known for their flavor, typically being described as slightly sweet and aromatic, with a refreshing minty taste.
When was the mint julep created?
The exact origins of the mint julep are not known, but it likely originated in the southern United States sometime in the 18th or early 19th century. According to some accounts, Virginian Colonel Lewis Burwell in 1784 declared that the addition of mint in bourbon whiskey to make a ‘Mint Julep’.
By some accounts, Kentucky Senator Henrey Clay also popularised the drink in Washington DC while serving as speaker of the US House of Representatives in the 1820s. By the mid-19th century, mint juleps had become the leading drink of the south and were a staple in saloons across the country.
The mint julep has been closely associated with the Kentucky Derby since 1938, when Churchill Downs issued official julep cups that race attendees used to celebrate the event.
Can you buy mint julep already made?
Yes, it is possible to buy pre-made mint julep. Many liquor stores, supermarkets, and online retailers offer pre-made or ready-to-drink versions of the classic bourbon cocktail. Companies like Old Forester, Heaven Hill, Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark offer ready-to-drink mint juleps in bottles or in canned versions.
Some of these companies use traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients to make their mint juleps. Others have slightly different recipes that include flavored liqueurs or mixers. You can also buy frozen mint julep cocktails that you can thaw and serve chilled.
Regardless of the brand or type, pre-made mint juleps are much easier and quicker to prepare than traditional cases. In most cases, all you need to do is pour a portion into a glass and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh mint before serving.
What is a julep cup used for?
A julep cup is a metal cup originally used to hold a julep cocktail, a Southern drink consisting of bourbon, sugar, and mint leaves. However, julep cups can also be used for other drinks such as whiskey sours, Manhattans, or mojitos.
The cup is traditionally made of silver or pewter and has a stem on the base with a round bowl at the top. These cups are often found with decorative engravings or motifs. The metal quickly cools any drink put inside to make it cooler and more refreshing.
In addition to holding drinks, julep cups are also used as decorative items or as part of collections. When not holding a drink, they often hold flowers or other decorations. They can also be used as part of formal place settings at a dinner, with the cup containing an after-dinner mint or other snacks instead.
Many people also collect them for their beauty and uniqueness. Julep cups make a great addition to any home bar and can be enjoyed for years to come.
