Professional photograph of a Mint Julep cocktail with garnish in elegant bar setting

Ordinary Drink

Mint Julep

Der Mint Julep ist ein erfrischender Cocktail, der aus frischer Minze, Zucker, Wasser und Bourbon besteht. Traditionell in einem Silberbecher serviert, bietet er ein perfektes Zusammenspiel von süßen und herben Aromen, das besonders im Sommer beliebt ist. Sein kühler Genuss macht ihn zu einem Klassiker der amerikanischen Cocktailkultur.

  • minzig
  • süß
  • erfrischend
  • würzig
James
By JamesSpirits & Whiskey ExpertPublished Reviewed
Prep Time
4 min
Glass
Collins glass
Difficulty
Intermediate
ABV
21%
Yields
1 serving
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Nur wenige ordinary drink Rezepte bieten dieses minzig and süß Erlebnis wie der Mint Julep. Mit Bourbon als Basis ist er in etwa 4 Minuten fertig. Eines der meistgeklickten Rezepte: "Pferderennen".

Key Takeaways

What you’ll learn

  • The mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938; over 120,000 are served at Churchill Downs across the two-day Derby weekend.
  • Crushed ice is absolutely essential — it provides rapid dilution, the correct chilling, and the signature frosty cup presentation.
  • Gentle mint muddling (only 3–4 presses) releases aromatic oils without rupturing cell walls and releasing bitter chlorophyll.
  • Traditional silver julep cups are functional, not decorative — silver's thermal conductivity creates the dramatic frosting effect.

Ingredients

Serves
1 serving
Glass
Collins glass
Prep
4 min
  • 4 freshMint
  • 2 1/2 ozBourbon
  • 1 tspPowdered sugar
  • 2 tspWater

Method

Preparation

  1. 01

    In einem Highball-Glas die Minze, den Zucker und das Wasser vorsichtig muddlen. Füllen Sie das Glas mit zerstoßenem Eis, fügen Sie Bourbon hinzu und rühren Sie gut um, bis das Glas gut beschlagen ist. Garnieren Sie mit einem Minzblatt.

Origin

History & Origins

The mint julep's story is woven into the fabric of American history, Southern culture, and the evolution of cocktail tradition. The word "julep" derives from the Persian "gulab" (via Arabic "julab"), meaning rosewater — early American pharmacists mixed spirits with sugar, water, and mint to make bitter medicines more palatable. The drink emerged as pure pleasure in the Southern United States around the 1790s–1820s; the earliest written recipe appeared in 1803, recommending it as a morning eye-opener.

By the 1850s, the mint julep had become the signature drink of the Southern gentleman. Plantation owners sipped juleps on verandas during hot afternoons, served in elaborate silver cups that became status symbols. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky introduced the mint julep to Washington, D.C. society in the 1830s, and it became fashionable in Northern social circles. Novelist and travel writer Frederick Marryat wrote in 1839: "I must descant a little upon the mint julep, as it is, with the thermometer at 100°, one of the most delightful and insinuating potations that ever was invented."

Novelist and travel writer Frederick Marryat wrote in 1839: "I must descant a little upon the mint julep, as it is, with the thermometer at 100°, one of the most delightful and insinuating potations that ever was invented."

The mint julep's association with the Kentucky Derby became official in 1938, when it was designated the race's official drink. Since then, the connection has become inseparable — both are Kentucky institutions celebrating bourbon culture. Churchill Downs uses nearly 1,000 pounds of fresh mint (all from a single Kentucky farm) and more than 60,000 pounds of ice during Derby weekend. The $1,000 commemorative mint julep, created annually by Woodford Reserve, has become a charity tradition and a testament to how this humble drink has evolved from medicinal tonic to cultural icon.

Bartender’s Insight

Pro Tips

Verwenden Sie frische Minzblätter

From James

  • Sanft zerstoßen, um Quetschungen zu vermeiden

  • Zerstoßenes Eis ist für ordnungsgemäße Verdünnung unerlässlich

  • Traditionell in einem Silber- oder Zinnbecher servieren

At the Table

Perfect Pairings

Gegrilltes Lammfleisch
Süßer Teekuchen
Minzschokolade
Hellere Fleischsorten
Südstaatliche Küche

Beyond the Classic

Variations

Klassischer Mint Julep

Traditionelles Bourbon-Rezept

Brandy Mint Julep

Ersetzt Bourbon durch Brandy

Roggen Mint Julep

Verwendet Roggenwhisky für ein würzigeres Profil

Questions

Frequently Asked

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