The tipple of choice at the Kentucky Derby, the mint julep is a chilled drink made with fresh mint, simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice.
Julep enthusiasts debate about whether mint leaves should be bruised (or "muddled"), as in a mojito, or merely steeped in the simple syrup.
But everyone agrees that the mint julep was invented in the American South in the 18th century. At the Derby and in certain high cotton circles, it is sipped from chilled pewter or silver mugs. Otherwise, you can also sip a mint julep from a highball with a straw (or, frankly, from whatever cup, jug, jar or tumbler you have on hand).
When mixing cocktails, herbs and/or fruit are often mashed or ground -- muddled -- with sugar in the bottom of a glass before adding the liquid ingredients to intensify their flavors. You can muddle with a spoon or a pestle-like tool called a muddler.
A classic example of a muddled drink is the Mojito, in which mint and sugar cubes are mashed together before adding light rum, lime juice and club soda.
Related Article: Why do we bruise herbs? (Cookthink)
Related Article: What is simple syrup? (Cookthink)
