How to make a mint julep (the right way), from a Kentucky bartender

Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
3
Bartender Phil Knoche presents his version of the mint julep at Rich's Proper, in Covington.
Bartender Phil Knoche presents his version of the mint julep at Rich's Proper, in Covington.

Like spiked, nutmeg-sprinkled eggnog during the holidays and ice-cold gin and tonics in the summer, the mint julep is a cocktail that enjoys a season of its own. In this case, derby weekend in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky. And like those other drinks, I look forward to imbibing juleps all year long.

Before I give you a recipe (check it out below!), let's start with a little history.

The history of the mint julep cocktail

The mint julep got its start as an Arabic drink made with water and rose petals dubbed the julab. Eventually, mint replaced the rose petals, thus creating the first mint julep. A dash of Kentucky bourbon later, it became a favorite in the Bluegrass State.

It is believed that Kentucky Senator Henry Clay was the first person to introduce the drink to Washington D.C., in 1850, and the julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938.

If you want to mix a few batches of your own this weekend, here's a simple recipe courtesy of barkeep Phil Knoche at Rich's Proper in Covington.

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How to make a mint julep for your Kentucky Derby party

You will need:

  • A rocks glass or a tin julep cup

  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup*

  • 2 ounces Kentucky bourbon (Rich's uses Four Roses)

  • 6-8 mint leaves

  • crushed ice

  • powdered sugar

* If you don't have any simple syrup, make some on your own by adding 1/2 cup granulated sugar to 1/2 cup water and heating it over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Let cool and keep any leftovers in a sealed glass jar in your fridge for up to a month.

Instructions:

  • Add the simple syrup and mint leaves to a rocks glass or julep cup.

  • Muddle lightly to express the oils of the mint.

  • Add the bourbon and then the crushed ice until it reaches the top of the glass.

  • Use another glass or cup to toss the mixture from glass to glass until mixed.

  • Once finished, add enough crushed ice to form a small dome on the top of the glass.

  • Garnish with a sprinkle or two of powdered sugar and more mint.

  • Now you're off to the races.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kentucky bartender shows how to make a mint julep for your Derby party