
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
- Prep Time
- 4 min
- Glass
- Collins glass
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- ABV
- 21%
- Yields
- 1 serving
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.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Collins glass
- Prep
- 4 min
- 4 freshMint
- 2 1/2 ozBourbon
- 1 tspPowdered sugar
- 2 tspWater
Method
Preparation
- 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.
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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
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
- The Mint Julep has a flavor profile that is minzig, süß, erfrischend, würzig. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Mint Julep is ideal for Sommerpartys, Hochzeiten, Grillabende. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Mint Julep. If you cannot source Mint, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Mint Julep variations include Klassischer Mint Julep, Brandy Mint Julep, Roggen Mint Julep. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Mint Julep is traditionally served in a Collins glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Collins glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Mint Julep is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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