The mint julep and the Kentucky Derby have become synonymous, but how and why? The history of the Mint Julep can be traced back to the 1700s on the southern east coast of the United States. Some say it was an evolution of a Arab drink called made of water and rose petals called a Julab. Regardless, the first instance of the Mint Julep in print was in 1803s Travels of Four Years and a … Read more
There is probably no American city more affiliated with drinking than New Orleans. A few come close but I don’t know if anyone can beat it. Just because you don’t live in New Orleans doesn’t mean that you can’t have a Mardi Gras bash. That is why we are highlighting Mixing New Orleans as this week’s Literary Monday pick.
Mixing New Orleans examines New Orlean’s cocktail culture through its favorite watering holes, drinking establishments (many, … Read more
One of my favorite books from 2011 was the Mad Men Cookbook. I mean, who wouldn’t love the drinking and retro-cool food from the 1950’s and 1960’s. Apparently, one of the authors of the Mad Men Cookbook, Judy Gelman, had an earlier book titled The Book Club Cookbook. This book was right up my alley. I love to read. I love to cook. I love to drink. Well, the book had two of out three … Read more
With the Kentucky Derby coming up, thoughts are turning to the mint julep. This cocktail has been the signature drink of Churchill Downs since 1938, when they started serving the mint julep in souvenir glasses for 75 cents each.
If you don’t think the word “julep” sounds particularly Southern, you’re right. The cocktail, known as “julab,” originated in Arabia centuries ago. Eventually, it made its way to the US — with little changes along the … Read more
Black Maple Hill is a damn fine, 95-proof bourbon at a damn fine price. My friends and I call it “the one that smells like bananas,” but there’s more to it than its tropical nose.
It starts out mellow on the tongue with a bit of a sweet, fruity taste and quickly brings on a little heat to let you know that, yes, this is Kentucky bourbon you’re drinking. The result is a solid, complex … Read more
This week we feature the Creole Julep, a spin on the traditional Mint Julep and the official cocktail of this year’s Tales of the Cocktail.
The cocktail was created by Maksym Pazuniak, a mixologist at Rambla and Cure in New Orleans. This rum-based Julep is made with Clement Creole Shrubb, a unique rum-based orange liqueur from Martinique. It gives this Julep a nice peppery kick with a hint of orange. Created by Maksym Pazuniak, Rambla/Cure.… Read more
Each year for the Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve creates a limited edition $1000 Mint Julep Cup for collectors. The proceeds are donated to a charity associated with helping those involved in horse racing. More info on this years $1000 Mint Julep Cup and charity.
If you didn’t get a cup, you can still enjoy the Kentucky Derby in style with these cocktails from Woodford Reserve.
Woodford Reserve Mint Julep
Ingredients:
3-5 mint leaves
1 teaspoon … Read more
I had the pleasure to meet Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell at this past Fall’s whiskeyfest. Jimmy is a true legend in bourbon distilling, having been at it for 54 years. One thing Jimmy has learned in his years is that the perfect cocktail for the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep.
With 54 Derbies under his belt, Russell’s Julep has been precisely refined. He uses his higher proof of Wild Turkey 101, which … Read more
Woodford Reserve, the official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, is once again offering the $1000 Mint Julep and donating the proceeds to the Thoroughbred Charities of America.
This years 132 limited edition Julep Cups are plated with 24kt gold. The drink is made with some of the world’s finest ingredients; lush mint from Ireland, ultra-fine sugar from Australia, glacial ice from the Bavarian Alps and the Master Distiller’s selection of Woodford Reserve bourbon. The 132 … Read more