Mint Juleps Beyond Bourbon: Exploring 5 Spirit Alternatives
A classic cocktail made using 30 ml bourbon, a dash of simple syrup, lots of muddled mint and crushed ice, the mint julep is a drink often prepared during summers at a sundowner or garden party. From mixology to popular culture, mint juleps have garnered quite a bit of popularity as cocktails complete with the peppery and fresh flavours of mint coupled with the robust yet sweetish tasting notes of bourbon.
In its modern renditions, a mint julep can be prepared using certain other spirits as well, to introduce interesting flavour twists into the traditional recipe. Read on below to know more about some of the spirits that can be used in lieu of bourbon to prepare mint juleps while home hosting an evening cocktail party or outdoor gathering:
Rye Whisky
Mint julep requires a spirit that is slightly dry and a tad bit spicy so it can compliment the notes of peppery mint muddled in a cocktail shaker to prepare this blend. Rye whisky is an interesting alternative that can be used instead of the bourbon to bring this spicier touch into the drink. Rye whisky will also infuse a subtle sweet and nutty edge into the drink which will interact with the crushed ice in the recipe to emit more pronounced flavour notes. Prepare such a variation of the mint julep with a rye whisky twist while hosting a summertime evening gathering or sundowner.
Aged Rum
What would bring a caramelised and lightly tropical touch into a mint julep recipe is aged rum. Put this cocktail together with the addition of 30 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other premium rum of choice to introduce into it a slightly earthy and deep flavour. Dark rum also compliments the flavours of muddled mint and the two ingredients pair well to bring peppery, sharp and simultaneously tart notes into a cocktail blend. Aged rum further carries a slightly robust note, building even more depth into the julep.
Cognac Or Brandy
Bring a richer and full bodied flavour into the classic mint julep by swapping out the bourbon with the sweet and soft flavours of 30 ml good quality cognac or brandy. These spirits are excellent alternatives for preparing a drink which is complete with a smooth finish and rather subtle but effective fruity and caramelised notes. Add mint infused simple syrup along with muddled mint to this recipe, especially if it is being prepared in spring or fall for making the peppery and zingy notes of mint more pronounced.
Tequila Reposado
Mint juleps require spirits which have robust, smoky notes that can go well with mint and simple syrup to lend the simple cocktail a lot of depth. Swap out the bourbon with tequila reposado which is complete with a smokier and tart touch. Reposado is aged for a longer period than tequila blanco which lends this spirit a more pronounced earthy and herbal note and just the right proportion of oaky qualities which come from the ageing process. This flavour profile is well-suited for blending drinks containing the peppery sharpness of muddled mint or mint infused syrups.
Blended Scotch Whisky
Peaty and smoky, blended scotch whisky is another excellent alternative which can be used instead of bourbon to prepare a mint julep. The fruity and spicy flavours from a Highland or scotch whisky such as a 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice, are interesting combinations with the fresh and sharp tasting notes of mint leaves. Coupled with the addition of crushed ice and about 1 tablespoon simple syrup, these ingredients come together in a cocktail complete with a minty and smoky flavour combination.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
