I said Julep, not Tulip
When you reach a certain age, the hearing starts to deteriorate. We think people say one thing, when they really said something else. This can also happen when you drink a prodigious amount of alcohol. How many times have you been at a Kentucky Derby party when you heard someone say, “I said Julep, not Tulip”? Well, here it is, several weeks later and the stalwart drink of the Derby has its own day. It’s national mint Julep day. So, whether you’re having a day at the races or not, it’s time to get your whiskey and mint on.
Since it’s closely associated with the Kentucky derby, The Mint Julep is traditionally served in an ornate silver or copper cup designed to mimic the winner’s cup from the race. But, you know how we feel about traditional glasses. They have their purpose in some applications, like a champagne flute retains the bubbles in sparkling wine, and a Guinness pint glass assists in head retention for stout. But, most glassware is just a suggestion. If you have a silver cup, great. If not, a low ball glass will do just fine. Heck, you can serve it in a shoe. It’s whiskey with mint and sugar over crushed ice. Think of it as a whiskey snow cone.
Did Ancient Persians say I said Julep, not Tulip
The Mint Julep we know today is indelibly linked to the Kentucky Derby. That’s why it’s supposed to come in a silver cup. But, the concept goes way back. The name Julep derives from A Spanish word Julepe, which comes from the Persian term Golab. Golab is a middle Eastern drink of sweetened rose water. Somewhere along the way, the drink found itself in Mediterranean areas where mint was more abundant. Thus, it replaced the rarer rose water. For centuries, it was a medicinal drink. The addition of camphor lent it medical legitimacy. Even in the US, it started that way, showing up in literature in the 18th century.
Taverns soon adopted it as a staple on their menus. And, by the time the civil war began, it was a standard porch sipper to start the day amongst well heeled Southerners. Earlier descriptions called it a sweetened rum drink with a “slip of mint”. Whiskey became the standard around mid century. Substitute the white suit and bow tie for Sultan’s garb, and you are probably looking at the same ritual in Persia during the middle ages. But, now it’s really only associated with the American south, specifically the Derby. Thanks to this pseudo-holiday, maybe people will drink it more often.
Let’s raise a toast to Ray Charles
In 1961, Ray Charles Released his version of the song Mint Julep. It was a swinging jazzy R and B song perfect for an Austin Powers party. His song is instrumental. But, the Clovers have a Song by the same title that tells a woeful tale of the problems mint Juleps can cause. While the Clovers remind you to drink responsibly. Ray’s song has the feel that you want to sit down and Share a few Juleps with him. It would be a lot more fun than going hunting with Ray Charles. So, dust off the old records, put on a dapper suit, and get ready for a full day of drinking your medicine. Unfortunately, we can’t drink with Ray himself. But, we can definitely drink to his memory. And, one mint Julep can be the start of it all. Just watch out when some says
So, here’s your recipe:
- 2 cups Simple syrup (!/2 sugar, 1/2 water boiled and blended until it creates a syrup. Cooled before using)
- 2 Cups bourbon whiskey
- 4 Cups Shaved or crushed ice
- 24 Mint Leaves
- Mint sprigs to garnish
Muddle the mint, ice, and simple syrup in a pitcher. Add the Whiskey and stir well. Pour into individual cups or glasses and garnish with mint. You could also do them separately one glass at a time. For an added flare, rim the glass with sugar and chopped mint.