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The Mint Julep is a mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, distinctive to the southern United States.
A mint julep is traditionally made of four ingredients: mint, bourbon, sugar, and water. In the use of sugar and mint, it is similar to the mojito.
The drink was probably invented sometime in the 18th Century. U.S. Senator Henry Clay introduced the drink to Washington D.C. and the northern United States. The word “julep” is derived from the Persian “julab” meaning rose water.
Traditionally, mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups.
Popular culture
It is well-known as the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby, a position it has held since 1938; during the event, more than 80,000 juleps are served at Churchill Downs.
In May 2006, Churchill Downs served 50 custom-made mint juleps at a cost of $1000 each at the Kentucky Derby. The mint juleps were served in gold-plated cups with silver straws, and were made from mint imported from Morocco, ice from the Arctic Circle, and sugar from the South Pacific. The proceeds will be used to support charitable causes dedicated to retired race horses.
The mint julep was a featured recipe on the "Raising the Bar" episode of Alton Brown's Good Eats.
Disneyland is one of the few places in the US where you can order a non-alcoholic mint julep. It is available at most restaurants in New Orleans Square, and is the featured drink at the Square's Mint Julep Bar.
In the movie Goldfinger, James Bond drinks with the titular villain, ordering a julep made with Tennessee sour mash instead of bourbon.
References
- Mint Julep at kentuckyderby.info
- History of the mint julep
- Disneyland's Mint Julep Bar
- Good Eats recipe
- The Kentucky Mint Julep by Joe Nickell