The countdown to the Kentucky Derby is on, and that means it’s time to toast the Triple Crown kickoff with that time-honored, oh-so-refreshing beverage—the Mint Julep!
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Courtesy of Fox Bar Instagram
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Courtesy of Mockingbird Instagram
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Courtesy of Rare Bird Instagram
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Courtesy of Geist Instagram
Inspired by beloved Southern trope Garden & Gun, Maker’s Mark® and Bourbon Country, some of our favorite bartenders and spirits spots are serving up their take on this traditional cocktail in celebration of Mint Julep Month.
The toast of the town, this event is also a fantastic way to help the environment. Participants are encouraged to help Maker’s Mark create environmental change by eliminating the use of plastic straws in their drinks and replacing them with sustainable alternatives.
Mint Julep Month also signals the start of Maker’s Mark’s ongoing Cocktails for Cleanups initiative to remove trash from the world’s oceans and waterways, in partnership with outdoor brand United By Blue. Through consumer engagement during Mint Julep Month and organized group cleanups, Maker’s Mark will remove up to 75,000 pounds of trash from the world’s waterways in 2019. Just post a photo of your Julep to Instagram with #CocktailsForCleanups to provide while you imbibe.
As for the eco-savvy cocktails, here are some of our top Nashville picks.
Fox Bar
The Loretto Julep uses Maker's Mark® bourbon, chocolate mint gomme, and lavender bitters to create an herbal, decadent take on the classic.
Pearl Diver
The Panamanian Devil is a refreshing spin on a classic julep. Rum mixes perfectly with cognac, mint, and a touch of sugar to transport the horse track straight to the beach.
The Mockingbird
The Put Juleps To Mine is a vibrant and refreshing ode to the classic mint julep featuring Maker's Mark® bourbon, coriander-infused simple syrup, and mint.
Bourbon Steak
The Minted Julep takes inspiration from both the mint julep and the Queen's park swizzle. The addition of Green Chartreuse and a rich mint syrup make this Maker's Mark® bourbon-based cocktail pop with bright green, refreshing mint flavor.
jwmarriottnashville.com/dining/bourbon-steak
Geist
The Champagne Julep is a light and refreshing twist on the classic mint julep incorporating cognac and Champagne. It’s the perfect drink to sip on outdoors in the spring and summer in Geist’s Champagne Garden.
Henley
The Derby Bay Julep features Maker's Mark® Henley Select Barrel #1 delicately balanced by brown sugar syrup with a vanilla bean pod, fresh bay laurel leaves and mint.
Rare Bird
The Los Angeles Julep takes the delicious flavors of southern California and mixes them in a Southern drink. Tequila, strawberry honey, and chili liqueur pack a big punch of flavor.