The Kentucky Derby is almost here, and there’s no refreshment more suited for enjoying the annual Run for the Roses than the quintessential mint julep. A refreshing cocktail made of bourbon, sugar, water and mint, this Southern libation is as synonymous with Derby Day as over-sized hats and hot browns. Here are four places you can enjoy the best mint juleps the country has to offer.
The Brown Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky
Come Kentucky Derby weekend, you won’t have to look far to find a refreshing mint julep in Louisville — but if it’s the best you’re after, head to the lobby bar at the historic Brown Hotel in downtown. Their classic take on the mint julep has long been regarded as one of the city’s finest, thanks to their flawless pairing of Maker’s Mark bourbon and a muddled mint simple syrup. Plus, the distinguished interior and English renaissance architecture gushes with southern charm — you might feel out of place if you don’t don your largest Derby Day hat.
The Julep Cup and Seahorse Lounge, Lexington, Kentucky
With a name like The Julep Cup, you’d better believe this Lexington institution takes their minty drink seriously. It starts with how the mint julep is served, and here, it’s in the traditional silver cup that lets frost form on the outside as it should — no mason jars or Collins glasses here. The Julep Cup also makes their take on this Southern comfort with shaved ice rather than crushed, another touch of tradition.
Bar UnCommon, New Orleans, Louisiana
Down in the Big Easy, there’s one man you’ll want to mix your mint julep, and his name is Chris McMillian. One of the most highly regarded bartenders in New Orleans, McMillian isn’t just sought after for his pours — it’s just as much about his delivery. Expect to be serenaded with an ode to this classic Southern cocktail, “The Mint Julep: The Very Dream of Drinks,” as McMillian crushes ice with a wooden mallet, muddles fresh mint and eyeballs just the right amount of bourbon in this perfectly poetic presentation. Find him at Bar UnCommon at the Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel.
Maysville, New York, New York
In a city where bartenders are constantly scrambling to one-up the watering hole next door with craft cocktails and trendy takes on the tried and true, it can be a challenge to find a bar where you can simply order a classic with no added frills or mysterious-sounding ingredients. Luckily, the Kentucky-inspired Maysville stands as a true bourbon bar in Manhattan’s Flatiron district. Naturally, the Southern-style joint will be hosting a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday with home-style fare (think crispy grits, deviled eggs and pulled pork sandwiches) and true-to-tradition mint juleps.
(Main image: patruby83 used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
