The Perfect Mint Julep

Recipe courtesy of Henry Watterson, a newspaper man from Kentucky ~

“Pluck the mint gently from its bed, just as the dew of the evening is about to form upon it. Select the choicer sprigs only, but do not rinse them. Prepare the simple syrup and measure out a half-tumbler of whiskey. Pour the whiskey into a well-frosted silver cup, throw the other ingredients away and drink the whiskey.”

Or…

Mint Julep Recipe:

1.
Freeze your glass or metal mug well before serving. This will help prevent the ice from melting so quickly.

2.
If you like a minty flavor, put about five small, young leaves of fresh mint minus the stems into the bottom of the cup. The number of leaves depends on how minty you like it. Add more or less to your taste.

3.
Add at least 1/4 ounce of some simple syrup to the cup if you prefer sweetness. Add more if you have a sweet tooth, of course. Or add none at all if you really love your booze straight.

4.
Muddle the mint and syrup in the bottom of the glass.

5.
Fill cup at least halfway with finely crushed ice. You can make your own at home by wrapping ice cubes in a clean dishtowel and crushing it with a rolling pin, hammer, or heavy frying pan.

6.
Add 2 ounces of the spirit of your choice. I know we always think of bourbon in a mint julep but try it with your preferred spirit whether vodka, rum, brandy, rye whiskey, or gin. A spirit of at least 90 proof is recommended so the spirit will stand up to all ice.

7.
Stir, then add more ice to the top of the cup.

8.
Shove the straw through the ice all the way to the bottom of the cup, then cut it off just above the top of the ice.

9.
Position a sprig of mint near the straw so that you can inhale the scent of the mint while sipping.

Enjoy your day at the races and your weekend!
“Giddy Up”!

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Comments

  1. Love the clever quote! Hope you have a great weekend. Enjoy a mint julep, or two! 🙂

  2. I have never had a mint julep – I will have to get myself to Kentucky for one soon!

  3. How cute, that sounds like something my hubby would say, he’s not into the juleps at all, just give him the bourbon! Hope you have a marvelous Derby weekend!! xox

    PS – thank you again for the award, I have a post scheduled for next week while I am out of town!

  4. Hooray for Mint Juleps!! Happy Derby Weekend.

  5. everyone is all about cocktails these days…am loving it! Summer is near, parties are being planned and drinks are being made…smashing!

  6. I have never had a mint julep but you have tempted me with this recipe! With all these delicious recipes you supply us with, I have to blame all my ‘experimental’ drinking on you!
    Hope you have a great weekend!

  7. the silver tumbler makes it perfect….chilled just right…some Benedictine tea sandwiches and chocolate chip pie and it’s Derby!!

  8. I love mint juleps and this Georgia born girl didn’t have one till she was forty, first at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, the at Churchill Downs but a week before the Derby.

  9. Even though I can’t stand bourbon, I still have at least one at Kentucky Derby parties. Your recipe sounds divine!

    However, I think Mr. Snoots & I are going to stick with our martinis this year.

  10. love the instructions, esp snipping the straw – so cute!

    I also did a derby post today!

  11. Some lovely pink you have around here…., and I saw your honeymoon shots too -precious!!

    Happy Weekend!

  12. Cheers! May the best horse win! Hedge your bets:)

  13. hahaha, i just love that recipe 🙂 my friends and I always email each other fun recipes to try and this one is definitely getting sent out to all who enjoy a good laugh

  14. I like the first recipe better 😉
    Just kidding!
    Happy Kentucky Derby weekend!

  15. Maker’s Mark slushie…mmmm.