Thirsty Thursday Eve - Mint Julep (April)

If there is a drink better associated with late April and early May than the Mint Julep, I couldn't find one. Whether you watch the Kentucky Derby or not, this time of year is dominated by the event, and the Mint Julep is the official drink.

When planning out posts for the year, not only had I never watched the Kentucky Derby, I had never tried a Mint Julep. Some time around then, I picked up a mint plant to grow in my bathroom windowsill. It was mostly intended to make a Mojito, but hey, mint is mint. Plus, the Mint Julep is classic enough, I felt obligated to try one.

Recipe (Original)

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Woodford Reserve®
• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
• 3 Fresh Mint Leaves
• Crushed Ice

Preparation
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass.  To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice.  Stir. Garnish with more ice and fresh mint.

Easy enough. Other recipes I read suggested muddling the mint directly into the glass, which is the route I took. Additionally, instead of 3 mint leaves, I used like 8. Is it really a Mint Julep if you can't smell the mint from a mile away? And instead of the recommended Woodford Reserve, I used Alvin Langston Single Barrel Bourbon.

Between the mint and the absurd amount of ice, it's a genuinely refreshing drink. I can totally see why early May in Kentucky demands a cool drink to beat the heat, and the Mint Julep delivers. One caution, though, I would recommend using quality bourbon here. I have nothing against cheap bourbon, but that flavor is usually covered up by a mixer of some sort. Much like an Old Fashioned, the flavor of bourbon in a Mint Julep is featured heavily and you really want something good to carry the drink.

The mint plant in my window finally died, but I do plan on planting a few more in the garden this year. The flavor was really strong, and I just don't know if packaged mint would have the same effect. You can chance it with a small pack, but if you plan on making drinks with mint any more than once in a blue moon, I do think it's worth growing your own.

I wish you all a happy Kentucky Derby day, and if you're drinking these delicious Mint Juleps, make sure you have a designated driver or call an Uber. Y'all stay safe.