1875 - The Churchill Downs' clubhouse began mixing mint juleps around 1875.
The drink really became popular and became the track's signature libation in 1938 when the management began charging 75 cents for the drink and the small glass vessel it came in.
Every year during Derby week at Churchill Downs, more than 80,000 mint juleps are served.
Kentuckians maintain that when a mint julep is made right, you can hear angels sing.
Always made with fresh mint, Kentucky bourbon, and plenty of crushed or shaved ice, it is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Traditionally, mint juleps are served in silver or pewter cups (which frost better than glass).
Thousands of mint juleps are served every year at the Derby, on the first Saturday in May, at Churchill Downs, and at weekend Derby parties around the nation.
Mint Julep Recipe - How To Make A Mint Julep:
These drinks has a potent kick, as anyone who has tasted it for the first time can testify.
It should be sipped slowly and not tossed off at a gulp!
When to actually add mint leaves into the Julep drink is debated by Southerners.
Arguments rage over its proper usage, some voting for muddling the leaves with water and sugar, others for infusing them in the syrup, and a third faction maintaining that a sprig as garnish should suffice.
For Each Serving:
Mint leaves
Crushed ice
2 tablespoons mint syrup (see recipe below)
2 tablespoons water
2 ounces good-quality Kentucky bourbon
Preparation:
Crush or muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-ounce Mint Julep Cup (using the back of a spoon to crush mint leaves) until mixture forms a paste.
Then fill the Mint Julep Cup 1/2 full with crushed or shaved ice. Add prepared mint syrup, water, and bourbon. Stir until the silver cup is frosted on the outside. NOTE: A glass tumbler will not frost on the outside.
To serve, garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
Mint Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 bunch fresh mint sprigs
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes, without stirring. Remove from heat an pour over a handful of mint leaves and gently crush the mint with a spoon.
Refrigerator syrup mixture overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves and continue to refrigerate. This syrup mixture will keep for several weeks.
Substitution for Mint Syrup: Purchase a bottle of mint syrup (used for flavoring espresso drinks and Italian sodas). NOTE: Mint Syrup is easier to use, but the taste isn't as great!
Makes 8 servings.
Or....Pick up a liter of Makers Mark Mint Julep blend (green wax instead of red), a bag of crushed ice, and a bundle of mint cuttings.
Of course, you must use a silver Julep cup...or official Derby Day Julep glass if you remotely expect to be in the "Smiling Line" after the Derby.
