It’s Time for a Mint Julep

Julep season is here. It’s that balmy time of year when you can make magic with four ingredients—sugar, mint, ice, and brown liquor—that, in a chilly silver cup, add up to something as simple but profound as a skillet of cornbread or a stockpot of long-cooked collard greens.

In 2013, the julep-sipping city of Louisville officially declared April Mint Julep Month. From April 4 to May 4, 2019, you can join the celebration of the classic Southern cocktail with Garden & Gun, Maker’s Mark, and the many partner bars found on MintJulepMonth.com that are serving specialty juleps. This year, participants are encouraged to create environmental change by eliminating the use of plastic straws in their drinks. Beyond the straw, Mint Julep Month signals the start of Maker’s Mark’s Cocktails for Cleanups initiative to remove trash from the world’s oceans and waterways, one pound at a time. Consumers can help the cause by using #CocktailsforCleanups on social media.

Raise a glass to julep season with a classic mint julep (muddle together 2 parts Maker’s Mark bourbon, ½ part simple syrup, and a fresh mint sprig in a julep cup, then top with a dome of crushed ice) or try one of the four unique spins on the cocktail below from a group of the best bourbon wranglers in the country: Kristina Magro (Chicago), Alex Negranza (Houston), Darlin Kulla (D.C.), and Jayce McConnell (Charleston, South Carolina).

Cocktail  #1: Bless Your Heart

A spoonful of blueberry jam and an extra herb in the muddle help this julep go down.

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Cocktail #2: The Golden Gait Julep

Bring a splash of bubbly to the party with this cocktail’s key ingredient: champagne syrup.

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Cocktail #3: Sparkleberry Mint Julep

Tart up your julep with a splash of blackberry sauce and a squeeze of lemon.

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Cocktail #4: Carthusian Julep

Your new secret ingredient: a liqueur made by monks that is also available at your local grocery store.

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