Mint Julep Cocktail and Mocktail Recipe

Okay, so I know it’s the middle of the winter, but I’m sitting here sipping on my peppermint tea and daydreaming about warmer days. Can you guess what instantly comes to mind? You got it: the mint julep. Everyone can appreciate a well-made mint julep; from the sweetest southern belle to the burliest FBI agent (although the latter might be more reluctant to admit it).

A mint julep is traditionally made with just four ingredients: bourbon or gin, sugar, water and (of course) mint. In the south, they tend to be quite particular about how their mint juleps are made, and they prefer it be with spearmint (not just any old mint leaf). However, unlike its mint-containing Spanish counterpart, the mojito, a mint julep is not muddled. That means that the mint leaves should barely be bruised, if at all.

Getting back to tradition, the mint julep should really be served in a silver or pewter cup. Since those aren’t as popular these days, you can usually find them sold as mint julep cups. Don’t fret if you don’t have any of these fancy vessels. You can still make a great mint julep and serve it in a old-fashioned or highball glass. No one will turn her nose up at it; I promise.

Like most cocktails, the mint julep has an uncertain history, but many believe that it originated in the southern states during the eighteenth century. You don’t hear the word “julep” much these days, but it does have a meaning outside the cocktail. It refers to a sweet drink that was usually served alongside medicine. The mint juleps in the early days were almost always made with bourbon, but these days, it’s more common to find a gin-based julep.

Since I already told you how to make a mint julep cocktail, I’ll just focus on the mocktail recipe here (by the way, this makes a pitcher):

4 cups water

4 cups lemonade

1 cup fresh mint leaves

Combine the water and lemonade and add fresh mint leaves (be careful not to bruise them too much). Stir and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.