Whether gathered around the dinner table or enjoying the sunset on your veranda after a long summer day, why not relax and cool down with a nice, refreshing Mint Julep? Most likely originating in 1803, the Mint Julep – back then a popular drink among Virginians – was described as a “dram of spiritual liquor that has mint in it.” Popular throughout the South, this cocktail has evolved into the fine spirit that it is today, a simple recipe consisting of combining mint and sugar in a tumbler, adding Kentucky Bourbon or Whisky, and topping it off with plenty of crushed ice. It is customary to drink this refreshing beverage out of a silver Mint Julep cup. There is also a customary way of drinking the Mint Julep; stir the drink with crushed ice until a thin layer of ice frosts the outside of the cup. Sip slowly and enjoy this cool sensation; a perfect way to conclude a hot summer day in Charleston.

2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups of water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Kentucky Bourbon or Whisky (2 ounces per serving)
Silver Julep Cups

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon of mint syrup and two ounces of Kentucky Whisky or Bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

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