Good morning, welcome back to our series sharing Food Holidays: April 30th, 2021. Its Mint Julep Day. Have you ever had a Mint Julep because I haven’t although I would like to try one one day.
National Mint Julep Day
Have you ever been hoping for a refreshing Bourbon Cocktail but frustrated that it was hard to find a excuse to have a drink? Thankfully, for those moments, Mint Julep Day is here to pander to those fantasies… just as long as those fantasies involve sipping this classic Cocktail.
Created just for this occasion, it’s worth celebrating the Mint Julep just about any time of the year, but especially on Mint Julep Day.
I think I will get the ingredients and make David and I a Mint Julep. Would you like to join us as we have our drinks outside under the Carport.
History of Mint Julep Day
Mint Julep, is a delicious and refreshing Alcoholic beverage made with Bourbon, which originates in the Southern regions of the United States and still counts this area as its heartland.
This sentiment is especially true of Kentucky, where the annual Kentucky Derby Horse Race sees around 120,000 of these tasty beverages served each year.
At these high end events, tradition dictates that premium versions of the drink are served in gold-plated cups with silver straws at a cost of $1000. Can you imagine paying that for a drink? Although, it isn’t necessary to spend quite that much to enjoy the day.
The Mint Julep made its first appearance in print in 1803, this distinctly American drink was written about by John Davis who noted that it was enjoyed in the morning.
The “Tulep” part of the name is what identifies it as a drink that is served over crushed ice. Other versions of the Julep drink can be made with Cognac or Peach Brandy.
The ingredients of this drink are simple: Bourbon, Mint Leaf, Sugar and Water. However, no two bartenders make the drink in the same way, which is all the more reason to sample a few Mint Juleps before the day is over.
Lets celebrate Mint Julep Day
Enjoy the day by drinking a Mint Julep with a friend or loved one, making them at home or grabbing one at a local bar. No matter how the day is celebrated, a Mint Julep can be loads of fun!
Learn How to Make a Mint Julep
This tasty Cocktail doesn’t have many ingredients, so it’s fairly easy to make at home. Ingredients include Kentucky Bourbon, Sugar, fresh Mint and crushed Ice.
While Julep drinks have their own traditional Silver cup, it’s certainly just as fine to serve Mint Juleps in a rocks glass.
Make the Mint Julep by putting ¼ ounce of simple Syrup into a glass and muddle 8 fresh Mint Leaves into it. Add a 2 ounce shot of high quality Bourbon and pack the glass with crushed Ice. Stir to make the cup frosty on the outside and then garnish with a fresh sprig of Mint.
Explore Different Bourbons
Feeling more adventurous in making Mint Juleps? Try out a variety of Bourbons to see which is the favorite. Consider some of these popular options:
- Four Roses Single Barrel– This straight Bourbon uses a delicate Fruit yeast strain and each batch varies slightly.
- Maker’s Mark Cask Strength– This blend offers a special collection of up to 19 different barrels, using Red Winter Wheat and Barley Mash Bill.
- Knob Creek 9 Year Single Barrel Reserve– Unblended and hand selected, this Bourbon has a Vanilla and Spicy flavor blend, bottled at 120 Proof.
Let’s host a Mint Julep Day Party
Since the Kentucky Derby is usually on the first Saturday in May, it might be a bit too late to join in on the fun by drinking a Mint Julep then. However, that doesn’t mean that this isn’t a great day to gather a few friends or family members together to enjoy all of the good things about this refreshing Cocktail!
Invite friends over and have them bring various ingredients such as different types of Bourbon, Fresh Mint Sprigs, or extra rocks glasses. Have a blender ready to crush the Ice if it doesn’t come pre-crushed.
For those who love the association, the Mint Julep has been part of the Kentucky Derby, the party can certainly be themed around wearing traditional garb, especially the pastel-colored summer dresses and fancy hats because Mint Julep Day is a great reason to dress up and have fun
Five Facts about Mint Juleps:
- The Mint Julep is traditionally made with four ingredients: Mint Leaf, Bourbon, Sugar, and Water.
- Traditionally, Spearmint is the Mint of choice used in Southern states, and in Kentucky in particular.
- In the use of Sugar and Mint, the Mint Julep is similar to the Mojito.
- Proper preparation of the Cocktail is commonly debated, as methods may vary considerably from one bartender to another.
- The Mint Julep may be considered as one of a loosely associated family of drinks called “smashes” (the Brandy smash is another example, as well as the Mojito), in which fresh Mint and other ingredients are muddled or crushed in preparation for flavoring the finished drink.
#MintJulepDay
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
