Mint Julep

The one that everyone knows; it's presentation alone is enough to transport you to warmer pastures where ladies wear fancy hats and gentlemen wear seersucker suits. At this point, the drink is so closely tied to Derby Day it's almost sacrilegious not to have one on said day even if you're miles away from the event itself. Although today it's known as a classic bourbon based drink, when American gentleman first started drinking it in 1796 it would have been made with peach brandy and was absent of mint; mint came into the picture in 1802. It's said that the bourbon version, made with Kentucky whiskey, was introduced by former senator and secretary of state, Henry Clay, to celebrate John Quincy Adams' presidential win in 1825.

Try a classic version year round at 1 Tippling Place, or try a historically inspired one made with rye and cognac at Rex 1516.

1/4 oz simple syrup
2 1/2 oz bourbon
fresh mint

Add simple syrup and mint to glass and muddle. Add bourbon to glass. Fill glass 2/3 full with crushed ice. Stir. Top off with more crushed ice and garnish with mint sprig. 

6/7

Photo by The Drink Nation