Whether you are a Derby fan or not, I think we can all agree on the deliciousness of its official drink… the mint julep. Lucky for us, National Mint Julep Day is this Saturday, May 30th. To celebrate the creation of this iconic Kentucky cocktail, we’ve rounded up some of our all-time favorite bourbons (along with their own recipes of the drink). Enjoy!
American Barrels Bourbon Whiskey
Since we are talking about the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, we can’t leave American Barrels Bourbon Whiskey off the list. American Barrels Bourbon is crafted from scratch using 100% Kentucky ingredients and is distilled along the river in Owensboro, KY.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 oz simple syrup
8 mint leaves
2 oz American Barrels Bourbon
bitters (for garnish)
mint sprig (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint and syrup. Add the bourbon and pack tightly with crushed ice. Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside. Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome and garnish with a mint sprig and a few optional drops of bitters.
*recipe from Liquor.com
Woodford Reserve
The Kentucky Derby is a huge part of American history, and so is Woodford Reserve Whiskey. This bourbon provides a classic take on the mint julep. And we all know that a classic bourbon and a classic drink recipe can lead to some amazing things.
INGREDIENTS
2 oz Woodford Reserve Whiskey
1/2 oz simple syrup
3 fresh mint leaves
crushed ice
DIRECTIONS
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass. To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir. Garnish with more ice, fresh mint, and powdered sugar.
*recipe from Woodford Reserve
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon
We couldn’t exclude Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon from this blog. A newcomer to the whiskey scene, this bottle still holds its own with juicy red-fruit notes that slide into a long finish.
INGREDIENTS
2 ½ part Angel’s Envy Bourbon
leaves from 4 to 5 mint sprigs
2 sugar cubes
DIRECTIONS
Place the sugar with the mint leaves in the bottom of the chilled cup. Muddle well to release the mint’s essence and dissolve the sugar. Add the Angel's Envy. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir until the glass becomes frosty.
*recipe from Angel’s Envy
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Throwing a larger soireé? This recipe, using Buffalo Trace Bourbon, is for you. Buffalo Trace Bourbon, with oodles of vanilla, barrel char and spicy complexity, won the Gold Medal in the New York International Spirits Competition and the American Whiskey Masters in 2018. So, obviously, it’s a great choice to use for your mint julep.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
fresh mint
crushed ice
Buffalo Trace Bourbon (2 oz per serving)
DIRECTIONS
Make a simple mint syrup by boiling sugar and water together for 5 minutes; cool. Place in a covered container with 6 or 8 bruised mint sprigs. Refrigerate overnight. Make a julep by filling a julep cup or glass with crushed ice, then adding 1 tablespoon of mint syrup and 2 ounces of bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost outside of cup or glass. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
*recipe from Buffalo Trace
Even if it’s not Derby time, these cocktail recipes can liven up an otherwise dull day. And the best part is, that even after your celebration, you will have some new bourbons from Cask Cartel to spruce up your home bar.
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