Where to eat Mint julep in Lexington
Bourbon, sugar, mint and a mountain of crushed ice in a frosted cup, Kentucky's ceremonial race-day drink. Lexington pours them all spring, from Keeneland weekends to downtown bourbon bars.
Also in: Louisville.
The story of Mint julep
The julep began as a medicinal early-American whiskey drink and hardened into ritual in Kentucky during the 19th century, silver cups and all. Churchill Downs made it the official drink of the Derby in 1938, and Lexington drinks them every April and October when Keeneland runs. Local bartenders argue endlessly about crushed ice, mint bruising and whether the straw belongs beside the mint or nowhere at all.
How to make Mint julep
Serves: Serves 1
Ingredients
- 60ml bourbon
- 10ml sugar syrup
- 8 mint leaves, plus a large sprig
- Crushed ice
Method
- Press the mint leaves gently into the syrup in the bottom of a julep cup; bruise, never shred.
- Pack the cup with crushed ice, pour over the bourbon and stir until the cup frosts.
- Crown with more crushed ice, slap the mint sprig against your palm and plant it beside a short straw.
Editor tip. Serve so the drinker's nose lands in the mint; the sprig does the aromatic work while the bourbon stays barely sweetened.
The editor picks for Mint julep in Lexington are still in research. Meanwhile, see the Lexington signature-dishes index or the Lexington food guide.