That’s right, y’all! It’s that time of year again. DERBY TIME! — You can’t be from Kentucky without completely shutting down for the entire week of the Derby. Spending all of your time with juleps and friends is mandatory.
Last year, I shared 4 different takes on the Classic Mint Julep with varieties including Rose, Mango, and even Meyer Lemon. All of them are worthy of a chilled sterling pewter julep cup.
Check out our other Julep recipes…
To celebrate this year’s Derby, I decided to venture out a bit past the typical bourbon starting line with my favorite spirit, gin. I used a classic London dry gin, but you would also be well-suited to go with a Genever bottle. (Find out the difference here.)
It’s a very simple drink to make, but with great return. Like the thoroughbreds, this packs quite the punch and is perfect for sipping.
- 8 mint leaves
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 2½ ounces gin
- crushed ice (has to be crushed!)
- lime, to finish
- Place mint leaves and simple syrup into bottom of cup.
- Lightly muddle to release the mint oil.
- FILL glass completely with crushed ice.
- Pour gin over ice.
- Add more crushed ice to top off.
- Finish with lime wedge.
- Lightly swirl and enjoy.
- More on SouthernFatty.com.
Be sure to follow along on Instagram this weekend, as I will be posting plenty of Stories live from the one-and-only Kentucky Derby!
Gustav
Isn’t a Gin Julep just a Gimlet? I’d say more correct would be a Mint Gimlet
Mwika Namwinga
I tried this recipe. Omg Splendid!
Phillip @ SouthernFATTY.com
Ohhhhh great! It’s a great twist.