If you don’t love a Julep, then my guess is, you’ve probably never had the real deal. The thing is, this classic cocktail is very simple in terms of ingredients, but it is all about the techniques and you can’t skip on the bouquet of mint. There’s a ton of history when it comes to the Mint Julep, and I’m here to share on this Derby Weekend.
![](https://ecngx235.inmotionhosting.com/~liqcul5/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_7690-683x1024.jpg)
What we also know is that the base was somewhat flexible back then, changing between Gin, Rum and Cognac, but by 1775, it was clear that Brandy/Cognac was the true spirit of the Julep.
This is why you won’t see a bourbon or whiskey like you typically find in a Julep here today, and I’m very okay with that. I’ve grown to love and appreciate Brandy and Cognacs in cocktails for its irreplaceable depth and character. Now obviously you can splurge and go all out when a Brandy or Cognac is involved, but that’s why I love the H by Hine so much. They made H by Hine as an approachable Cognac for cocktails! Did you know that Hine Cognac is the official Cognac for THE QUEEN?! That’s right. Royalty approved of this cognac. So if the Queen is down for this, I’m down for it. Not that I didn’t love it in the first place. I’ve long had an appreciation for this brandy before I knew this fun little fact. But it’s nice knowing that the Queen and I have similar taste.
So today, I’m not doing anything special, but giving you the traditional classic as per Jerry Thomas in its original, historic glory! Cheers to the Derby Weekend!
![](https://ecngx235.inmotionhosting.com/~liqcul5/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_7693-683x1024.jpg)
Traditional Mint Julep
Looking at the classic Mint Julep cocktail recipe for the Derby Weekend!
– Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Superfine Sugar plus extra for topping
- 2 tbsps Water
- 3 oz Brandy/Cognac H by Hine Used Here
- 5 sprigs Mint
- 1 dash Jamaican Rum Appleton Used Here
Instructions
Take 4 sprigs of Mint and mix with water and sugar until the mint flavour is extracted
Add Cognac and fill the Julep tin 3/4 full of crushed ice.
Stir/churn until the liquid reaches the top.
Top with crushed ice. Add remaining Mint Sprig for bouquet, arranged with berries and orange slice on top
Add a quick dash of Jamaican Rum with a sprinkle of sugar on top
Add straw and enjoy!