The Mint Julep

[classyndry]

Hey all,

I tried to write the most comprehensive and informative post on the mint julep I could. I haven't been on this forum in a while, but I couldn't think of a better wealth of knowledge to give me feedback and check my facts. Let me know what y'all think. Cheers!

http://bonvivantva.com/?p=3578

Edited June 3, 2014 by classyndry

[flahute]

Your text is almost the same color as the forum background so we can't read your post.

[classyndry]

Hopefully I fixed the text. I originally just used the default settings, so I'm not sure what when wrong.

I'd still appreciate any insight, thoughts, comments, or criticism.

Edited June 3, 2014 by classyndry

[HD 335]

I never tire of watching Chris McMillian's Mint Julep video.

[tylermke]

Agree with HD 335, Chris McMillian is not only a superb bartender, but also a student of mixology and the history behind cocktails.

[Kalessin]

Videos are too new-fangled for me when it comes to the proper mint julep recipe. I'm a fan of the Buckner mint julep recipe letter, a beautiful piece of prose from 1937:

http://www.thebucknerhome.com/julep/index.html

[smokinjoe]

Videos are too new-fangled for me when it comes to the proper mint julep recipe. I'm a fan of the Buckner mint julep recipe letter, a beautiful piece of prose from 1937:

http://www.thebucknerhome.com/julep/index.html

I have read that mint julep story many times before. It is a most elegant, nice and genteel story on making mint juleps in 1937. But, I have always thought that Hitler read the same thing, and then decided, with an eye across the Atlantic, that the time was right to plow over Europe...

[compliance]

I know how to make the best mint julep. I call up my bud Humchan and say "make me a mint jelup". It's the best. Comes in a silver cup and everything

[P&MLiquorsEric]

My Kentuckian card might be revoked but I can't stand mint juleps. They are the drink that out of staters buy (and gag on) the first Saturday in May.

The same for old fashioned, Manhattans etc.

If I'm mixing bourbon it will be with ice or a splash of water. If I am poured bad bourbon, I am not above a splash of sprite.

[MyOldKyDram]

We'll they can swing through Lexington and take my card at the same time, as I can't stand the damned things either.

[classyndry]

Videos are too new-fangled for me when it comes to the proper mint julep recipe. I'm a fan of the Buckner mint julep recipe letter, a beautiful piece of prose from 1937:

http://www.thebucknerhome.com/julep/index.html

The Buckner Mint Julep ceremony is actually how the Mint Julep book by Harwell (that I reference in the post) starts. The book says its basically the quintessential account of the 20th century julep. It is beautiful and poetic, but I can't get past that fact that he uses granulated sugar (a heaping teaspoonful no less). The fact that granulated sugar does not dissolve well at room temperature, let alone at ice cold temperatures will help the julep to not be too sweet, but you will be left with sugar sludge at the bottom, and will likely end up sipping way too much undissolved sugar. In one of the McMillian articles I link to in the post, he suggests using no more than 1/4th oz of simple syrup. I used almost exactly 1/4th ounce of simple syrup in my larger julep cups, and it was maybe a touch too sweet for my taste.

As for the Kentuckian Cards, I believe you may keep them. As you're both clearly bourbon drinkers, the cards should be safe regardless. Also, the Mint Julep is a Virginia creation, and not just because Kentucky in its current entirety, at the time of the first record of American/mint juleps, was part of the colony of Virginia. The majority of early julep references were from the Tidewater area of Virginia, which is still part of Virginia to this day. Further, since bourbon is not exclusive to Kentucky, one can have a modern mint julep with no Kentucky ties whatsoever. I have to say, Kentuckian or not, how a bourbon drinker can't enjoy the refreshment of a cold mint julep on a scorching hot summer day is beyond me. I guess not everyone likes mint.

[MyOldKyDram]

Love mint. Sugar too. Can do without it in my bourbon is all.

[Quantum]

I like sweet, flavorful cocktails, but I very rarely drink them anymore. If I am going to drink something with sugar and mint, it might as well have a shot of bourbon in it. I usually drink about one a year, and that works alright for me.

[classyndry]

I think I'll have a julep or two an average of 4 times a year. Sadly, I'd bet I have more mojitos.

[P&MLiquorsEric]

I enjoy mint in my gum and breath fresheners. I do enjoy the smell of freshly grown mint.

I rarely opt for sweet drinks. Even my favorite margarita uses real lime juice and natural agave nectar with the tequila. Hardly sweet when compared to the standard issue restaurant offering.

[classyndry]

I enjoy mint in my gum and breath fresheners. I do enjoy the smell of freshly grown mint.

I rarely opt for sweet drinks. Even my favorite margarita uses real lime juice and natural agave nectar with the tequila. Hardly sweet when compared to the standard issue restaurant offering.

A well made julep is only slightly sweeter than straight bourbon, not unlike your margarita. Use less simple syrup?

[Paddy]

Sorry gentlemen, but sugar is for tea and good bourbon is ruined by anything other than a few drops of water.

Now, bad bourbon is another story. Do what you must, but please...do it well.

[tanstaafl2]

Sorry gentlemen, but sugar is for tea and good bourbon is ruined by anything other than a few drops of water.

Now, bad bourbon is another story. Do what you must, but please...do it well.

I certainly understand this if you are not a cocktail sort but if you are it is just plain wrong in my opinion, especially for a relatively simple whiskey forward cocktail and not some frou-frou concoction that would taste the same whether it used bourbon or vodka. A good bourbon/whiskey can only make the drink better and a bad bourbon/whiskey just makes a bad drink.

[tylermke]

I certainly understand this if you are not a cocktail sort but if you are it is just plain wrong in my opinion, especially for a relatively simple whiskey forward cocktail and not some frou-frou concoction that would taste the same whether it used bourbon or vodka. A good bourbon/whiskey can only make the drink better and a bad bourbon/whiskey just makes a bad drink.

Well said, Bruce!

[classyndry]

Well said, Bruce!

I concur. Well said.