Mint Julep
I’m sure you’ve heard this before – all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. When I moved to Windsor, Ontario, I became a whiskey drinker and later on, I started enjoying bourbon as well but there’s a difference between these two.
Whiskey is distilled from fermented grain mash which can be barley, corn, wheat, and rye. The liquid is distilled to no more than 190 proof and is also aged in wooden barrels.
Bourbon on the other hand, is made primarily from corn and its mash must contain at least 51%. It’s distilled at 160 proof at the most and aged in new charred-oak barrels at 125 proof or less. Bourbon is produced strictly in America while whiskey can also be produced in the United States but also elsewhere like Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Japan, India, and so on including here in Canada 🍁 – my favorite is Canadian Club produced in Windsor, Ontario.
When it comes to bourbon, there are actually some regulations and the distillers are required to meet the standards with the “Bottle in Bond Act of 1897”. When it’s time to bottle it at 80 proof or more (like other whiskeys) and store it, the process is done in a bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision… seriously, it’s that strict!
Bourbon is America’s Distinctive Spirit! When you have a glass 🥃 of this fine spirit, it would most likely originate from Kentucky as it produces approximately 95% of the world’s supply. What is interesting about Kentucky versus other states is that Kentucky bourbon is distilled and also bottled right there.
The very first time I had bourbon was when I attended a house party in Aurora, just north of Toronto. The theme was the Kentucky Derby 🏇! Everyone was dressed appropriately for the occasion; fancy hats (mine looked like I had a birds nest sitting on top) and nice elegant dresses and suits – let’s not forget that the beginning of May in Canada is still quite chilly.
While a few big screen televisions were already set on the channel for the Run for the Roses 🌹, we were served Mint Juleps in those fancy silver cups along with finger sandwiches. I was quite impressed with that cocktail. It was smooth and perfect for the occasion. Although I really enjoyed it, I didn’t have it until I was invited again that same summer.
The Aurora’s estate was sitting on acres of land with a huge horse barn way in the back. This time, it was a polo match 🐎 in their backyard! It was a hot summer day and our hosts were serving champagne and all kinds of different cocktails including Mint Julep! Of course, I went for this popular Kentucky Derby drink, sipping it while watching the polo match.
It’s an amazing cocktail to have but like any alcohol, it can pack quite a punch! I realized how tipsy 🥴 I was when after the whistle, all of us went out on the grass and started stomping the divots. Woohoo, it was a lot of fun but I knew that as delicious as the mixology was, I had enough for the day… plus I was driving.
Of course, there’s no reason to wait for a special event like the Kentucky Derby to enjoy a Mint Julep… or two. It’s very easy to make and so refreshing! It’s a great cocktail to serve to your guests on a hot summer day 😎. Like I always mention, please drink responsibly.
Cheers! 🥂
Check out these other great refreshing cocktail recipes…😀
– Spanish Sangria
– Mixed Berry Margarita
– Blackberry Mojito
– Peach Bellini
– Paloma Cocktail
– Strawberry Daiquiri
– Hurricane Cocktail
and for even more great cocktail, smoothie, and alcohol-free beverage recipes 🍹🧉🍸, click on this link… Recipe Category • Beverages
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Mint Julep
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Ingredients
- 8-10 mint leaves, plus more to garnish tips & tricks
- 1/2 ounce simply syrup, or more to taste tips & tricks
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 1/2 ounce mineral water
Directions
- In a glass or a silver cup, add mint leaves and simple syrup. Lightly muddle to release the flavor.
- Add bourbon, stir and fill up the glass halfway with crushed ice. Stir until the glass (or cup) starts to frost from the outside.
- Add a splash of mineral water before packing up the glass with crushed ice; garnish with a mint sprig. Makes 1 drink
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