Mint Juleps for Derby Day
Post Author: Lorin GaudinIn case you didn’t know, May 6 is Derby Day. Of course the mint julep cocktail is virtually synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, but it wasn’t invented for the race or by a race-course bartender. Legend holds that the word julep comes from the French which in turn is derived from the Arabic or Persian julab, meaning ‘rose water.’ The drink we know today is an American invention believed to have first appeared in 1803 Virginia as a morning tonic. There are some who claim that the drink’s history is even older and although the modern version is a mix of bourbon, simple syrup and mint, early mint juleps were likely made with rum, brandy or rye. Some mint julep recipes call for crushing or “muddling” the mint with the sugar syrup, while others declare that the mint sprigs must reamin whole. There is also an argument about whether to drink a julep through a straw or straight from the glass, nose to the mint. The flavor of a mint julep is so distinct, fragrant and delicious, it makes for a great mint julep ice cream and/or sorbet.
Filed Under: Wine & Libations
