Did you know May 30th is National Mint Julep Day #MintJulepDay which I’ve never had. Have you? Now, that Charlie is out of school its time to celebrate. I think I will make a Mint Julep for me and David. Would you like to have a Mint Julep with David and I? Or is there another drink David and I can make you? If so let me know which liquor you want in your beverage so I can create your drink and we can sit outside and watch the Birds fly by.
I thought I would share a fun fact with you. Did you know there is 120,000 Mint Juleps sold during Derby weekend in Louisville? Although this Cocktail, traditionally served in a silver cup, has been associated with the Kentucky Derby for just about a Century, the Mint Julep is actually a refreshing, sophisticated Cocktail that’s good any time. Whether you missed out on Derby Day or you’re still nursing your betting wounds, you can still celebrate National Mint Julep Day on May 30th all you need is Bourbon, Sugar, Mint, and Ice and a muddler.
NATIONAL MINT JULEP DAY ACTIVITIES
- If you missed the Run for the Roses, no problem, you’ve got a do-over. Channel your inner Southern belles and gentlemen to celebrate National Mint Julep Day. For the ladies, picture hats are a must and the bigger and more ostentatious the better the better. In fact, why not add in a “Best Hat” contest?. Keep your clothing simple. A pastel linen sheath dress or spring suit works well. Dapper gentlemen should choose a seersucker or linen suit, paired with a bow tie and possibly a fedora or bowler hat. Classic oxfords no socks, please complete the look.
- The classic Mint Julep is made of Bourbon (or Whiskey), Sugar or Simple Syrup, Mint, Water, and shaved Ice. If that doesn’t appeal, there are many unorthodox alternatives. How about a Cherry-Lime, Watermelon, Peach or Blackberry Mint Julep? Or you can make Mint-Julep Popsicles for portable refreshment, or Mint-Julep Ice cubes that will turn any old glass of Southern Sweet Tea into a Cocktail.
- Maybe Mint’s not your thing, or maybe you just can’t be chuffed to crush all that Ice. No worries. Pretend you’re doing research for next year’s Derby Day and hold a Bourbon tasting. Find a well-stocked bar with a knowledgeable barkeep, or ask friends to contribute a bottle of their favorite, lesser-known Bourbon and host a contest for the best tasting Bourbon. Remember don’t drink and drive!
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL MINT JULEP DAY
- Much like its Winter-weather cousin, the Moscow Mule, a Mint Julep gains gravitas from the ritual used to make it. The extra-but-not-too-esoteric ingredients and the specialty cup Copper for the mule, silver for the julep make these drinks feel fancy. Sure, it’s not as easy as cracking open another Beer, but neither is it as tricky to make as lots of Cocktails. And the payoff is worth it.
- Northerners, take heart; you too can enjoy a Julep. Although the drink originated below the Mason-Dixon line, the Julep is a fine, refreshing beverage whenever and wherever the mercury rises.
- Some theories propose that the Julep is a variation on an ancient Arabic drink called the julab, which featured rose petals. The Mint, and eventually the Bourbon, eventually transformed it into an all-American tipple. In fact, the earliest print mention of the Mint Julep described it as a “dram of spirituous liquor that has Mint in it, taken by Virginians in the morning.”
Recipe for Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 8 mint leaves
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Garnish: mint sprig
- Garnish: Angostura bitters (optional)
Steps
- In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup.
- Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice.
- Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside.
- Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional)
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
