Our twist on the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail delivers sweet, woody, cool mint flavors with aromatic perfection in every sip. So, grab your most daring Derby hat and gather your ingredients for this signature sipper. You’ll need Clarksburg Mint Julep Hard Cider, your favorite bourbon, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
But first, a bit about the mint julep, a Southern cocktail known for its refreshing simplicity and elegance. It strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and herbs with a smooth, oaky depth. The muddling of the mint and simple syrup is crucial. This releases the mint’s aromatic oils, creating a cool, invigorating fragrance that embodies the drink.
A julep cup and crushed ice are both key to keeping your beverage ice cold. Julep cups are traditionally silver or pewter. This type of metal allows the cold to rapidly transfer from ice to the entire cup surface, creating a frosty barrier. But if you don’t have one, no worries. Your mint julep will be just as tasty from a regular rocks glass.
Now, for the twist. Our mint julep recipe is unique because the timeless flavors of this landmark cocktail are built directly into our cider, which is the main ingredient. Clarksburg Mint Julep Hard Cider is bourbon-barrel aged to perfection, boasting rich caramel and vanilla bean notes with a gust fresh spearmint. Pour it on top of muddled mint leaves and simple syrup, add your bourbon, finish with crushed ice, and garnish with a fresh mint sprig. What you’ll get is expertly crafted flavors that are both cool and comforting.
And, finally, a fun fact. Did you know that each year, more than 120,000 mint juleps are sold at the Kentucky Derby? That’s an impressive number for a two-day event. The great thing is, you don’t have to head to Louisville, Kentucky, to get yours … you have the finest recipe right here.
