MINT JULEP
See also: Mint Trivia
The American word 'julep' can be traced to French julep, which comes from the Arabic julab, which is from the Persian julab, meaning 'rose water.' The drink as we know it today is an American invention.
The classic mint julep as made in Kentucky, starts with a chilled silver mug or goblet filled with crushed ice. Dissolve 1 lump of sugar in a little water, fill mug with bourbon, add the dissolved sugar and stir well. Place 4 or 5 sprigs of fresh mint down into the ice. Serve and watch the Kentucky Derby.
* See also mid 19th century mint julep recipe from the Pearl Street House in Louisville, Kentucky.
Other mint julep recipes call for crushed mint leaves and other variations of the julep are made with rum or brandy. Crushed mint versus whole mint sprigs is a continuing argument amongst julep lovers; as is whether or not to drink with a straw, or straight from the mug, with your nose in the mint.
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