The Mint Julep: A Legendary Staple of the American South

The Mint Julep is a quintessential American cocktail. It has a history as rich and diverse as the flavors it embodies. Join us as we explore the history of the iconic Mint Julep, uncovering the stories, traditions, and innovations that have transformed this humble cocktail into a cherished symbol of Southern heritage. From its origins as a medicinal drink to its association with the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep has woven itself into the fabric of American culture.

Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

No Derby Day is complete without a Mint Julep—or 120,000 of them! That’s the estimated number of Mint Juleps sold each year at Churchill Downs. For real, that is A LOT of bourbon and hard-partying Southerners. And that’s just it, the drink is deeply tied to the South and has become emblematic of Southern hospitality. So as you plan your next Derby party, be sure to have a pitcher, or two, or three, of these on hand.

Ingredients (party size)

Gather the following ingredients to make a pitcher of Mint Juleps:

• 1 bottle of Kentucky bourbon
• 2 cups of fresh mint leave
• 3 to 5 oz of simple syrup (depending how sweet you like it, the simple syrup ratios are either: 1 part water, 2 parts sugar or 1 part water, 1 part sugar)
• A bushel of mint sprigs for garnish
• Crushed ice
• Mint Julep cups (Silver & Pewter are traditional; durable stainless steel is also a great option)

Steps

1. Combine the bourbon and 2 cups of mint leaves in a large pitcher.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Strain the bourbon, removing the leaves.
4. Add the simple syrup and adjust for your taste buds; we usually go sweeter to please the crowd. Start with 3 oz and add as needed.
5. Add crushed ice to your Mint Julep cup.
6. Fill’er up and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Ingredients (individual)

Gather the following ingredients to make a single Mint Julep:

• 4 to 8 mint sprigs, leaves only
• 2 sugar cubes, or 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
• Mint sprig, for garnish
• Crushed ice
• Mint Julep cups (Silver & Pewter are traditional; durable stainless steel is also a great option)

Steps

1. Place the mint leaves and simple syrup into a Mint Julep cup.
2. Muddle well to release the aroma from the mint leaves and dissolve the sugar.
3. Add the bourbon whiskey to the cup.
4. Fill the glass with crushed ice and mix well until the cocktail becomes frosty.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint for a delightful presentation

Mint Julep History – A Humble Beverage with a Rich Heritage

The history of the Mint Julep is steeped in tradition and has left an indelible mark on American culture. Its early mentions in historical records throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s reveal a drink that transcended social boundaries. It has been said that the drink was regularly enjoyed by Presidents such as Teddy Roosevelt, who threw them back while playing tennis, and Andrew Jackson, who liked to imbibe them while watching cockfights. While none of this is confirmed, it all makes total sense—sorta. Tennis and bourbon certainly is a stomach-churning combination.

The origins of the Mint Julep can be traced back to the Southern United States, where both bourbon and mint were abundant. The earliest known mention dates back to 1770, with a reference in a satirical play by Robert Munford, which featured a drunken character named Mr. Julip. There is also a short poem on hunting published in the Williamsburg Virginia Gazette that references the drink. It was even mentioned in Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel, “Gone with the Wind.”

In 1803 the drink was first mentioned in print and was described by the author John Davis as “a dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning.” Apparently residents from the Old Dominion loved it for breakfast.

A Medicinal Remedy

Perhaps even more notably, the Mint Julep was initially described as a prescription drink. There have been some medical records discovered from 1784 that reveal it was sometimes prescribed as a remedy for stomach ailments. Personally, it always makes us feel better—just maybe not so much the next day. Unless we were day-drinking, then we’re great.

Association with Kentucky

The Mint Julep was popularized in Kentucky, a state synonymous with bourbon and horse racing. Senator Henry Clay, a revered Kentuckian, is often credited with introducing the drink to Washington, D.C.’s high society in the early 19th century, making it a fixture at the prestigious Willard Hotel.

However, the Mint Julep’s association with the Kentucky Derby, which began in 1875, solidified its status as a cultural icon. Officially adopted by Churchill Downs as the Derby’s signature cocktail in 1938, the Mint Julep has since become as integral to the event as the race itself. Today, nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the Derby weekend, which is just an insane number. We used all our fingers and toes and still couldn’t count how many bottles that would be.

The Mint Julep Cup

The cup can be traced back to silversmiths, such as Asa Blanchard, located in Kentucky around the 1700’s and 1800’s. The cups were often prized by wealthier families and given as gifts for Christenings and weddings, and everything in-between. Metal cups were originally used because they hold the cold of the drink exceptionally well. When filled with crushed ice, a pewter or silver cup becomes frosty on the outside, keeping the drink cold in the warm Southern climate. Nowadays, a stainless steel cup is a great durable (and cheap) option.

The Mint Julep Finally Gets Ice and Other Variations

The first mention of an “Iced Julep” appeared in an advertisement for the Wig-Wam Gardens in Norfolk in 1807, signifying the emergence of a new era for this classic cocktail. The introduction of ice into the mint julep marked a significant turning point in its evolution, transforming it from a simple concoction to a refreshing and frosty libation, paving the way for its reputation as a cool and invigorating refreshment.

New York also tried to get in on the act. In the 1830s, a version known as the “hailstone” julep or “hailstorm” julep emerged. It featured a fancy new thing called “hailstones,” which we call ice cubes. But it was one of the earlier incarnations to include ice and continued to set the stage for the cocktails enduring legacy.

Variations of the mint julep added depth and diversity to its repertoire. While bourbon-based juleps became the de facto concoction, we mustn’t forget the contribution that gin-based juleps made to the drinks versatility by increasing its appeal to a wider range of palettes. 

While steeped in tradition and history, the popular cocktail has evolved, with modern innovations and specialty variants expanding its popularity. Some of these include using exotic ingredients, such as a specialty mint from Ireland, ice from the Bavarian Alps, or sugar grown in Australia. As it is often served in a silver-plated cup, it’s no surprise that the beverage has grown into a symbol of opulence and sophistication. Nowadays you can even buy a gold-plated cup and sip your whiskey through a gold straw. Churchill Downs will only charge you a grand for the luxury.

The Mint Julep’s Link to Horse Racing

The Kentucky Derby, an annual horse race held at the Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky since 1875, has been synonymous with the mint julep since 1938. The beverage became so entwined with a day at the races that there are tales of mint leaves being cultivated around the track to ensure fresh leaves would always be available on the day. Today, an estimated 120,000 mint juleps are sold each year at the Kentucky Derby, which highlights the drink’s integral role at getting folks toasty during this iconic sporting event.When the race only lasts two minutes, you have to do something fun to pass the day. Might as well enjoy some ice-cold bourbon.