Photo Credit - iStock/bhofack2

Bourbon is a super-hot spirit right now.

How should you celebrate all the wonderful things about this uniquely American spirit?
Maybe you could take a drive along The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and explore the distilleries and the history. You could always plan your trip to The Kentucky Bourbon Festival next year. Or you could simply visit your local favorite pub to imbibe on a classic mint julep.

History, History, History
The Mint Julep has been closely associated with the Kentucky Derby since 1938, but it has a history that stretches back to the 1700s. It was once known as a cocktail only for the “elites” with their sterling silver cups, and ice that was not readily available to most of the world at the time. Later they were used as a way for farmers to jumpstart their morning in much the same way that we use coffee today (sounds like a much better way to start the day than standing in line at Starbucks).

To Muddle or Not to Muddle?
The long-burning question regarding the mint julep - should the mint be muddled to release the flavor, or stacked on top for aroma? There are some that are very passionate on each side of this discussion. As with all things in the cocktail world, you should drink it the way that you like it, but in this humble writer’s opinion, it should be both. A Julep should excite all the senses. The flavors and aromas should be accompanied by the sight of a beautiful, well-made cocktail, the sound of the shaved ice as it settles in a julep cup, and the cold feel of the frost building on the outside of the cup, while the cocktail warms you from your head to your toes.

There is no time like the present to visit your favorite mixologist, and try a traditional Mint Julep with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, or maybe a spicy version with Sazerac Rye. If you are lucky, she/he will regale you with more of the history of this cocktail, while building this luscious elixir.

“An education has never tasted so good!”