Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep

by:
April 19, 2010
0
0 Ratings
Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep
  • Serves 1
Author Notes

From Saratoga Springs to Churchill Downs I cannot think of a better way to open the front porch to some serious sitting than with a mint julep. I am not talking of the concoction served in a souvenir cup at the Kentucky Derby but the one enjoyed by Washington Irving, Henry Clay and Henry Watterson. The one were if you where a cat on a hot tin roof you just might swoon. Choices is a great problem to have and there are many these days when it comes to bourbon and mint. I am going to give you the drink I like but just remember the beauty of this is experimentation is acceptable. —thirschfeld

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 3 to 5 Kentucky Colonel mint leaves
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 ounces Makers Mark Whisky
  • Mint for garnish
  • water as needed
  • 3 splashes of peach bitters
Directions
  1. Place the sugar cube and mint into a cocktail shaker. Crush the cube onto the mint and muddle the mint. The handle of a wooden spoon works great, especially the OXO wooden spoon. Add the Makers Mark and swirl. Add the crushed ice, cap and shake. Shake again just because it is fun. Fill a rocks class with crushed ice. Pour in the bourbon and top with water and peach bitters. Garnish with mint. Walk out to your porch and sip while rocking in a rocking chair and listen to the birds chirp and the frogs sing.
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4 Reviews

Richard S.
Richard S. May 7, 2016
Maker's Mark?! Get real. That brand is barely bourbon. The backup to the requisite corn in its mash bill is wheat, not the rye that gives real bourbon "bite" and character. Authentic Derby mint julep whiskey is Wild Turkey or, even better, the pricier Woodford Reserve. Leave the MM to the bourbon nubies.
 
thirschfeld
thirschfeld May 7, 2016
Life is too short. People order different meals at restaurants all the time. Tastes vary. I drink all kinds of bourbon that day I felt like Makers Mark. If you feel like Woodford Reserve, which I like, have at it. You might or might not have seen this but it's good info. http://www.gq.com/story/bourbon-whiskey-family-tree
 
cheese1227
cheese1227 April 20, 2010
Indeed, great photo props.
 
Lizthechef
Lizthechef April 20, 2010
Great photo - love the Faulkner in the background, beneath the Col's specs. Drink looks terrific too...