The Story Behind The Bulleit Bourbon Mint Julep
This bourbon — and it must be bourbon — cocktail is famously associated with Derby Days, but it’s incredibly easy to make for any warm-weather party. While its ties to Churchill Downs go back to the 1930s, the julep actually originated in ancient Persia. Its name is derived from gûl-ab, the Persian word for rosewater, which was a medicinal mix of water and an infused syrup. As the elixir made its way to the Mediterranean, easily accessible mint replaced the rose. The key to this simple drink is a lot of crushed ice and ensuring that the metal julep cup gets nice and frosty while stirring. And, of course, a lot of fresh mint.
Mint Simple Syrup Ingredients
- 8 ounces granulated sugar
- 8 ounces water
- ½ cup fresh mint
Mint Simple Syrup Directions
- In a medium size pot, heat the sugar and water for 15–20 minutes on a low simmer until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally to prevent caking.
- Turn the heat off and submerge mint into mixture.
- After about one hour, strain the mixture into a container for storage, and label, date, and refrigerate for later use. Good for three weeks. Yields 12 ounces of mint simple syrup.
