MINT JULEP: A DRINK THAT VOICES OF YOUR TASTE, CLASS AND ARISTOCRACY!

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Keep your silver goblets on standby. When was Kentucky Derby ever complete without the lionised Mint Julep?  

 History of the Mint Julep: Just as enticing as the drink itself.

In and around the 18th century, the Mint Julep had originated in the southern part of the United States. It was initially recommended to address the ailment of the stomach accompanied by frequent retching, and, perhaps, a difficulty of swallowing.

But was Bourbon always the spirit for the Mint Julep? While there are several rumors to specify the use of Cognac for the Mint Juleps, especially at the time of the Civil War, the first chronicled history in John Davis’, Travels of four years and a half in the United States of America point out that whiskey was used to make the Mint Julep in 1803.

The history of the Mint Julep is frothed with class and eliteness and being able to offer this drink ranked its provider separately among the crème de la crème of the society, back in the day.

Health Benefits of Mint Julep:

Not that you need an excuse to drain your goblet dry of the Mint Julep, yet here are some of the amazing health benefit of this drink.

·         This drink derives most of its health and healing properties from the goodness of mint.

·         Mint comes with traces of Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium.

·         To make the most of these nutrients, it’s best to use it generously as an ingredient.

·         Mint has therapeutic properties. It is well-known for curtailing down stomach upset and does wonders to curb down the side effects of cold.

Ingredients and Directions:

Now that you have lined up the silver glasses, go ahead; savor your own, homemade Mint Julep. Take it in gradually, let the pride melt your heart.  

·         Prep time: 5 minutes

·         Cooking time: 24 hours and 30 mins

·         Serves: 10-12

·         Cooking level: Moderate- Advanced

Ingredients:

·         Fresh spearmint leaves- 40

·         Bourbon- 4 cups.

·         Distilled water- 1 cup

·         Granulated sugar- 1 cup

·         Powdered sugar.

For Garnishing:

·         A sprig of mint leaf.

·         Crushed ice.

·         A silver Mint Julep cup (if you can possibly help it)

Directions:

To prepare the mint extract:

·         Wash and place the mint leaves in a small bowl.

·         Cover the leaves with 3 ounces of Bourbon.

·         After soaking for 15 minutes, gather the mint leaves in paper toweling.

·         Thoroughly squeeze the mint over the bowl containing the whisky.

·         Immerse the bundle once again and redo the process for a few times.

To prepare the simple syrup,

·         Mix a cup of distilled water with that of granulated sugar in a saucepan.

·         Heat till the sugar dissolves. Stir constantly. When done, set it aside to cool.

To prepare mint julep mixture,

·         Take a glass pitcher. Pour 3 ½ cup of bourbon into it.  Add to it a cup of the simple syrup.

·         Now add the mint extract, 1 tablespoon at once, to the mixture of the Julep.

·         Taste and take in the aroma after adding each tablespoon. What you should be aiming for is a soft mint aroma and a taste usually attained by about 3 tablespoons of mint extract.

·         Once you get the desired flavor and aroma, let the mixture refrigerate in an empty litre bottle for 24 hours.

All that remains to do now is serve the julep with some shaved ice. Insert a mint sprig to it for garnishing. Serve immediately in a silver cup (if you have one). Enjoy your drink!

Nutrition info:

Calories per serving- 165

Calorie from fat- 0

Alcohol- 20 g

Protein- 0 g

Total carbohydrate- 3 %