Any mixed drink that calls for sugar or syrup is a julep.
Aside from these four Mint Julep ingredients, you need the right hardware and accessories to pull off an authentic version of this classic cocktail.
At its heart is the sweetly frothy mint julep, which mingles intriguingly with a cool ozone note.
Both Early Times and Maker's Mark manufacture time-saving Mint Julep mixes that contain bourbon and mint flavoring, but a homemade Julep tastes far superior.
Don't be tempted to cut corners and buy mint extract, any type of mint syrup or Mint Julep mix.
Early Times Kentucky Whisky has become the official brand used in the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep.
Empire Pewter Patrick Henry Mint Julep Cup - Named after the famous American patriot, this simple, lustrous cup is crafted with non-tarnishing polished pewter.
Having a great recipe to follow is always good, but sometimes it's even easier to watch a pro mix a Mint Julep.
However, there is something appealing about sticking with tradition and only bringing out these cups when it's time for an ice cold Julep.
I've also been deprived of the pleasure of a well made mint julep.
If you don't have time to make simple syrup, mix quick-dissolving powdered sugar into water when making your Mint Julep.
In fact, the beverage is actually pumped into glasses from a giant Julep cup that was specially made for the event back in 2008.
In order to understand why there is a preference for using a certain type of cup with this cocktail, you'll need to know exactly what a Mint Julep is if you've never had one before.
In the meantime, watch this video on how to make a Mint Julep for some nice pointers.
Julep purists will likely scoff at the thought of a ready-made cocktail, but when a single cocktail is in such great and immediate demand, Derby officials have to do what they can to keep everyone happy.
Like any other cocktail, there are many variations on the Mint Julep.
Maker's Mark is a favorite of many, Early Times is the bourbon used in the "official" Mint Julep recipe, and Jim Beam is a basic yet adequate brand.
Mint Julep Cup with the Seal of Kentucky - This polished pewter ulep cup is adorned with the seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Mint Julep ingredients are simple and refreshing.
Next time the Kentucky Derby rolls around, invite your friends over for a Derby party and impress them with your skills by making the classic Mint Julep and simple syrup.
Now that you know a little about the history of the Mint Julep's association with the Kentucky Derby, you might be ready to give one a try.
Now that you've gathered your ingredients and learned their purposes, master the task of making the perfect Mint Julep.
Now you are ready to make your Mint Julep.
Pewter Mint Julep cups offer a stunning way to present cocktails of all sorts, not just the classic Mint Julep that is the hallmark of the Kentucky Derby.
Pewter Mint Julep cups were inspired by the works of early craftsmen in the south.The cup is traditionally 6.5 inches tall, with a top diameter of 4 inches, a flat bottom and straight sides that flare only slightly at the top.
Sets are available for purchase from specialty barware stores, but unless you plan to become a regular Julep sipper, it's perfectly acceptable to serve them in an old-fashioned or a highball glass.
Sure, you can use a plain straw, but if you really want to be authentic, purchase a set of mint julep straws.
The bourbon Early Times is used to make the official Derby Julep.
The Kentucky Derby Mint Julep is a great favorite of horse racing fans.
The Mojito could be considered the Latin cousin of the Mint Julep.
There are four ingredients required to make a Mint Julep.
To make this quintessential southern drink, learn more about the Mint Julep and simple syrup, as well as the other ingredients and history behind this cocktail.
Try a refreshing Frozen Mint Julep by muddling the mint in simple syrup, and then straining the leaves and blending the remains with bourbon and cracked ice in a blender.
When drinking your Mint Julep, you're expected to hold the cup by its bottom or its top edge.
Woodbury Pewter Mint Julep Cup - This large, 20-ounce Julep cup is more generous than the traditional 10-ounce cup.
You can hardly watch Derby coverage at Churchill Downs without seeing at least a dozen horse racing enthusiasts milling around with the distinctive Mint Julep in their hands, and with good reason.
You can purchase pewter Mint Julep cups from many sources on the Internet.
You may find it difficult to order a Mint Julep while out at a bar because many bartenders are not familiar with the drink or don't keep fresh mint or simple syrup on hand.