Inasmuch as I'm a Kentucky Colonel, descended from one of the original Kentucky Colonels who fought under Governor Shelby in the War of 1812, I thought it obligatory on my part to know how to prepare a proper mint julep. As most of you know, the Kentucky Derby is coming up soon, and I expect to view it on TV with the traditional julep in hand.
Here is the scoop on the julep, direct from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels:
Mint Julep
"Julep" is said to be a word meaning "rose water". The Mint Julep is a concoction of bourbon, water, sugar and a sprig of spearmint. The drink is over 200 years old, first referred to in print in the first decade of the 1800's. The book defined the julep as "A dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning." It is said that Henry Clay of Kentucky introduced the mint julep to Washington, DC. and thus it became famously associated with Kentucky and Kentucky Bourbon. Now and then, someone will decide to replace the bourbon with other alcohol(s). It even happened at the 1945 "Formal dedication of the new National Headquarters of the Honorable Order". It was reported that Colonel William Dunn of Terre Haute, Indiana "showed more than his usual 'alacrity' in helping mix and pass around the mint juleps". At the end of the afternoon long event, described as one of the "finest" ever given by the Colonels, Colonel Dunn admitted that he "had dared the heresy" of using Southern Comfort rather than bourbon in the Juleps. It just so happened that Colonel Dunn was President of Merchants Distilling Company, a distiller of Southern Comfort.
OK, for those holding Derby parties, here's a recipe. There are several but this is our favorite: Take two frosted silver goblets. In the first fill with ice and add a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of water. Then, gently crush a couple mint leaves and place in the ice. In the second goblet pour about 3 fingers of a quality Kentucky Bourbon. Now, pour out the mess in the first goblet and drink from the second. By the way, Churchill Downs uses a bottled mix for the juleps served there on Derby Day. You may be able to find the mix in your local beverage store.
And there you have it. While you mix your drink, be sure to have the strains of "My Old Kentucky Home" running through your mind. I'll lift my glass with you on Derby day!
Colonel John
Here is the scoop on the julep, direct from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels:
Mint Julep
"Julep" is said to be a word meaning "rose water". The Mint Julep is a concoction of bourbon, water, sugar and a sprig of spearmint. The drink is over 200 years old, first referred to in print in the first decade of the 1800's. The book defined the julep as "A dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning." It is said that Henry Clay of Kentucky introduced the mint julep to Washington, DC. and thus it became famously associated with Kentucky and Kentucky Bourbon. Now and then, someone will decide to replace the bourbon with other alcohol(s). It even happened at the 1945 "Formal dedication of the new National Headquarters of the Honorable Order". It was reported that Colonel William Dunn of Terre Haute, Indiana "showed more than his usual 'alacrity' in helping mix and pass around the mint juleps". At the end of the afternoon long event, described as one of the "finest" ever given by the Colonels, Colonel Dunn admitted that he "had dared the heresy" of using Southern Comfort rather than bourbon in the Juleps. It just so happened that Colonel Dunn was President of Merchants Distilling Company, a distiller of Southern Comfort.
OK, for those holding Derby parties, here's a recipe. There are several but this is our favorite: Take two frosted silver goblets. In the first fill with ice and add a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of water. Then, gently crush a couple mint leaves and place in the ice. In the second goblet pour about 3 fingers of a quality Kentucky Bourbon. Now, pour out the mess in the first goblet and drink from the second. By the way, Churchill Downs uses a bottled mix for the juleps served there on Derby Day. You may be able to find the mix in your local beverage store.
And there you have it. While you mix your drink, be sure to have the strains of "My Old Kentucky Home" running through your mind. I'll lift my glass with you on Derby day!
Colonel John
