Paulius Musteikis
Meditative: muddled mint, a touch of sugar and Four Roses bourbon.
Today, juleps are associated with bourbon, mint and the Kentucky Derby, but the word julep dates back to the 1400s and the Persian word gul-ab, meaning “rosewater.”
Originally, the concoction was medicinal, featuring healing herbs macerated in sugar. The drink we know developed in colonial Virginia, where it first included peach brandy, rum or gin. Later, the base spirit became exclusively bourbon.
At Julep, the new Southern restaurant at the Robinia Courtyard development, 829 E. Washington Ave., an ice crusher sits prominently behind the bar, dedicated to this signature Kentucky cocktail. The house julep is a classic version: a touch of sugar, muddled mint and Four Roses bourbon. Four Roses was once only sold to European and Asian export markets, but it returned to U.S. shelves in 2004. It’s known for its smoothness as well as classic flavor.
Julep’s julep has a spicy nose of honey graham crackers with a ripe apple-y finish. It’s meant to be a daily drinker that’s an emotional experience. Steeped in tradition, this is the meditative cocktail of William Faulkner and Walker Percy, full of history and fable. Watch the glass frost, feel the cool rush of mint, and enjoy sipping the fiery bourbon.