Happy Hour History: The Mint Julep

With Derby Day nearly upon us, let’s unpack the history of the race’s signature cocktail: the mint julep. While the Derby-julep partnership can be traced back to 1939, the cocktail is an icon of the American South that pre-dates the Civil War. In fact, you can find mentions of mint juleps in writing as far back as the 18th century.

The word “julep” is derived from the Persian gulab, which means “rose water.” That derivation makes sense considering the cocktail’s early life as a medicinal tonic used to treat stomach sickness. As the drink crossed into Europe, mint leaves replaced the rose water and various spirits were added until it made its way stateside where bourbon became the standard.

But not so fast. The Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac alleges that cognac was the original spirit used. Indeed, evidence suggests cognac was popular around the Civil War period; although, Virginia farmers were making them with whiskey as far back as 1803 where the julep was a popular morning eye-opener. Until something like this probably happened.

Adding to this confusion, the 1862 edition of barman Jerry Thomas’ Bar-Tenders Guide allowed for cognac, brandy, gin, whiskey or even sparkling wine. By the end of the century, however, bourbon emerged on top.

Whatever the spirit, the iconic silver cups have been the traditional container for the julep since the early 1800s. The first cups can be traced back to Kentucky silversmiths Asa Blanchard of Lexington and William and Archibald Cooper of Louisville.