National Mint Julep Day!

Today, May 30th, is National Mint Julep Day!

Mint Julep in a classic "Julep Glass"

A Mint Julep is a cocktail made by muddling mint leaves, sugar, and water (spearmint is most popular in the southern states).  The glass is then filled with ice and the bourbon is poured over top. It is usually stirred until the glass is well frosted.

I for one am not a fan of mint juleps.  I have never really liked bourbon and the drink tastes like a stick of Spearmint Orbit to be completely honest with you.  You may be wondering though, how did this drink come about?

The origin of the Mint Julep is actually widely unknown. It seems as though it was originally used as a medicine of some sorts to cure stomach pains. An appearance of a Mint Julep actually printed in a book came from John Davis in London in 1803, it was described as "A dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning". It was not described as bourbon being the main liquor.  It was served as the "Old White".

So what is the most popular reason why we know this drink as we do today? The Mint Julep originated in the southern United States, probably during the 18th century. U.S. Senator, Henry Clay of Kentucky introduced the drink to Washington, D.C., at the Round Robin Bar in the famous Willard Hotel during his residence in the city. The term "julep" is traditionally described as a sweet drink, particularily one used as a vehicle for medicine. Bourbon is traditionally the spirit used in this cocktail although there are also gin-based juleps.

You may be thinking "The Mint Julep sounds so familiar and it's all coming to me now.." That's right, the Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.  It has been promoted with the Kentucky Derby since 1938.  Each year, over 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two day period.  If you don't know what the Kentucky Derby is...it might be a good time to pull out the Google machine and look it up.  This is an article about the Mint Julep, not a horse race :).

I have included two recipes.. one is for you people who are of legal age and can have a proper Mint Julep.  I also have included a non-alcoholic version for you kids under 21 who maybe want to have a Kentucky Derby inspired party, or if you want to celebrate National Mint Julep Day.

The Disneyland (non-alcoholic) Mint Julep

Ingredients:
1 lb granulated sugar 
6 cups water 
1 1/4 ounces lime juice concentrate 
8 1/2 ounces lemonade concentrate 
3/4 cup creme de menthe (syrup available at liquor stores. Do not confuse it with creme de menthe liqueur) 

Directions:
1. Combine the sugar and water in a 3 quart saucepan. Stir the contents until the sugar is dissolved. 

2. Stir in lime and lemonade concentrate next. Continue stirring and bring to boil just below the boiling point (210 degrees.) DO NOT BOIL! 
3. Remove pan from heat and chill. Once chilled, add a ratio of 1 part syrup to 5 parts chilled water. 
4. Transfer beverage to pitcher and enjoy! 
5. Garnish each serving with mint leaves, lime slice and a maraschino cherry. 

I hope you guys enjoyed today's National Food Holiday! Remember to come back everyday to see what we will be celebrating next.