Mint Julep

Mint Julep is a staple of the Kentucky Derby. Minty, boozy and sweet, it’s a perfect drink for hot summer days — and for the most exciting two minutes in sports. Traditionally served in a Julep cup, this cocktail is as much about the experience as it is about the flavor. If you have a moustache and don’t want to get it wet, there’s even a trick for that: use a julep strainer as it was originally intended.

Mint Julep

· 60 ml (2 oz) Woodford Reserve bourbon

· 7,5 ml (¼ oz) simple syrup

· 8–10 mint leaves

· Add crushed ice

· Garnish with a mint bouquet

Mint Julep is a classic of the American South and the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. The name “julep” originally referred to a sweet drink used to mask the flavor of medicine, but it quickly became associated with cocktails mixed with brandy, rum or gin — until Kentucky proudly made bourbon its own.

We’re using Woodford Reserve, a superb Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey crafted from a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This combination gives the bourbon a beautiful balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty notes — the perfect foundation for a Mint Julep.

Start by gently muddling fresh mint leaves with bourbon. Muddling too hard will release bitterness from the mint, so take it easy. Add simple syrup, then fill the cup with crushed ice. A Lewis bag and mallet work great for this, soaking up excess water and giving you that perfect dry crushed ice.

As you add the ice, frost will start forming on the outside of the metal cup — a sure sign that your drink is properly chilled. Top it up completely and shape a small ice dome on top. Spank the mint for your garnish to release its aroma, then place it next to the straw so every sip comes with that refreshing minty scent.

Woodford Reserve brings depth and character, while the mint and sugar turn it into an incredibly refreshing summer cocktail. This is a drink meant to be sipped slowly, savored, and appreciated as it evolves in the glass.

Fun fact: the strainer often used in stirred cocktails is actually called a julep strainer because it was originally used to hold back the ice while drinking — without a straw and without messing up your moustache.

Whether or not you’re watching the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep is a timeless classic to enjoy anytime you need to cool down. Cheers!

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