Mint julep is an alcoholic cocktail, consisting primarily of bourbon, sugar, water, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint. As a bourbon-based cocktail, it is associated with the American South and the cuisine of the Southern United States in general, in particular as a symbol of the Kentucky Derby.
A mint julep served in the traditional silver cup
A mint julep made with Henry Clay's original recipe at the Round Robin Bar. According to bartender and historian Jim Hewes, the cocktail was originally served in a crystal glass because it represented a more upper-class beverage.
A silver mint julep cup
A holiday "Jingle Bell Julep" which uses macerated strawberry, cherries and raspberry instead of a mint base at the Round Robin Bar
Bourbon is a type of barrel-aged American whiskey made primarily from corn (maize). The name derives from the French Bourbon dynasty, although the precise source of inspiration is uncertain; contenders include Bourbon County in Kentucky and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, both of which are named after the dynasty. The name bourbon may not have been used until the 1850s, and the association with Bourbon County was not evident until the 1870s.
A selection of bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys at a liquor store
Nineteenth century bourbon bottle
American white oak barrels filled with new bourbon whiskey rest in a rickhouse, giving bourbon its well-known copper color
The bourbon distilleries that produce Buffalo Trace (left), Maker's Mark (center), and Woodford Reserve (right), are National Historic Landmarks in Kentucky.
