Whiskey Smash
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and citrusy cocktail. It has a strong whiskey flavor, balanced by the tartness of lemon and the cooling effect of fresh mint.
Calories:200
Fat:0 g
Protein:0 g
Carbohydrates:12 g
Alcohol:16%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in the southern United States. It is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, and has been since 1938.
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Why it's used: It's the Southern soul of the drink! The rich, vanilla-and-oak-forward flavor profile of bourbon combines seamlessly with the freshness of mint.
Without it: You'd just have a cup of fancy mint-flavored ice water.
Alternatives: While traditionally a no-no, you could try a different whiskey or even rum for a different kick.
Why it's used: They provide that cool, crisp, and aromatic element, which is why we smack 'em before throwing them in – to release those essential oils.
Without it: The Julep loses its 'Mint' and turns into a 'Just Julep.'
Alternatives: Basil could give an interesting herby twist, but it would no longer be a Mint Julep.
Why it's used: It's the sweet whisperer that balances out the bourbon's burn.
Without it: Your tongue would be doing the Kentucky Two-Step from the bourbon's bite.
Alternatives: A simple syrup or honey syrup can be used, altering the sweetness profile slightly.
Why it's used: A splash of water helps dissolve the sugar and mellows the bourbon just a tad.
Without it: The sugar wouldn't incorporate properly, leaving you with a gritty surprise.
Why it's used: It chills the drink quickly and as it melts, it dilutes the cocktail to perfection.
Without it: You'd have a room-temp heartwarmer rather than a refreshing sipper.
Why it's used: It's the green flag signaling 'refreshment ahead' and provides a nice olfactory experience with each sip.
Without it: The drink would lack that final visual and aromatic 'oomph.'
Southern-style bites: Pair your Mint Julep with some light and savory Southern-inspired appetizers like pimento cheese spread on crackers or mini fried chicken biscuits to complement that kick of bourbon.
Barbecue: The robustness of the Mint Julep stands up nicely to the smokiness of barbecued meats. Think pulled pork sliders or smoky ribs.
Chocolate: The sweetness of the Mint Julep dances well with the bitterness of dark chocolate. Opt for a high-quality chocolate bar and you're in for a treat.
Fruit desserts: A fruit cobbler or a peach pie would sing alongside a Mint Julep, echoing its sweet and refreshing notes.
Iced Tea: In case you want to pace yourself between cocktails, a nice sweet iced tea will keep things in the Southern comfort zone.
Water: Stay hydrated! It's important to alternate cocktails with water, especially if you're enjoying this at a hot Kentucky Derby day.
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Ingredients: Bourbon, Mint leaves, Peach syrup, Crushed ice, Fresh peach slices, Mint sprig for garnish
Recipe: Muddle the mint leaves with peach syrup instead of sugar. Follow the regular steps but finish with fresh peach slices along with more crushed ice and mint for garnish. This variation adds a fruity twist, giving the drink a Southern summer vibe.
Ingredients: Bourbon, Mint leaves, Fine sugar, Water, Crushed ice, Club soda, Mint sprig and lemon peel for garnish
Recipe: Make the Mint Julep as usual but top the drink with club soda after stirring. This bubbly addition adds effervescence and makes the cocktail more refreshing, perfect for a hot afternoon.
Ingredients: Bourbon, Mint leaves, Chocolate bitters, Fine sugar, Water, Crushed ice, Mint sprig and grated chocolate for garnish
Recipe: Add a few dashes of chocolate bitters to the mix. The chocolate complements the vanilla notes in the bourbon and adds a decadent twist suitable for dessert.
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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While mint is the traditional herb used in a Mint Julep, you could experiment with basil, rosemary or other fresh herbs. However, this will significantly change the flavor profile of the cocktail.
Choosing a good-quality bourbon will enhance the flavor of your Mint Julep. However, the best bourbon depends on individual taste. Some prefer a stronger, bolder bourbon, while others might prefer a smoother and sweeter variety.
You can serve a Mint Julep in a rocks glass, or any other short tumbler. The key is to use a glass that's thick enough to maintain the drink's temperature.
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version of the Mint Julep, you can replace the bourbon with apple juice or a non-alcoholic ginger beer to maintain the cocktail's spiciness.
The Mint Julep is inherently vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Just ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly as some sugars are processed using animal products.
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