It’s almost that time of year again… Kentucky Derby day. And, of course, no Derby would be complete without that venerable of all whiskey beverages, the Mint Julep. While the cocktail became the Derby’s signature drink in 1938, its origin is much older. Many claim that the first written reference to the Mint Julep was in 1803. However, according to London bartender George Sinclair, references to medicinal juleps made with mint water appeared in the 1700s. Sinclair’s research on the subject is an interesting read. It details the evolution of the drink as we know it today.
Originally, the cocktail was made with brandy. It wasn’t until 1903 that whiskey was mentioned as an ingredient. In fact, most early references to the drink differ on both ingredients and methods of preparation. Even The New York Times got in on the argument, as evidenced by this from 1911 denouncing those who add water to their juleps.
I’m not sure that we’re any closer to a consensus today. There are as many Mint Julep recipes as there are bartenders who make them. And even what many people consider the traditional Mint Julep – a handmade concoction of bourbon, shaved ice, sugar, and muddled mint – isn’t what you’ll find at the Kentucky Derby. For years, the Derby’s signature drink has been made with Early Times Mint Julep Cocktail, poured over ice, and garnished with mint. In fact, the ready-to-serve cocktail doesn’t even contain bourbon, but rather, a younger Kentucy whiskey. Oh well, so much for tradition.
