Mint Julep - Cocktail #6


Mint Julep, oil on panel, 15 in. x 10 in. SOLD

Birth date: Eighteenth Century

Origin: Southern United States

The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, and according to their website, almost 120,000 mint juleps are served every year over the two day event. Kentuckians hold to the belief that if a Mint Julep is made correctly, you can hear angels sing. Actually the angels perform beautiful covers of Bill Monroe songs. Well at least they did when I had my Mint Julep.

*Special thanks to Laura for noticing that the top part of the shadow behind the glass slightly resembles a silhouette of a jockey riding a horse. It was completely unintentional and for want of a better term let's just call it a "happy accident."

Recipe:
  • 3 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
  • 4 to 6 sprigs of mint
  • 2 sugar cubes

Put mint, sugar, and a small amount of Bourbon into the bottom of a mixing glass. Gently muddle the mint and sugar, then let stand for a bit to allow the muddled leaves to release their flavor. Stain and pour into a julep cup (or a highball glass), rotating to coat the sides. Fill with crushed ice, and then add the rest of the Bourbon Whiskey. Garnish with a lightly slapped small mint sprig.