Today is a bit cold, but soon is the season for Mint Juleps.

[John Barleycorn]

Are there other kinds of Juleps? Should the cup be sterling silver or plated silver? What bourbon or rye is the best to use? Any tips?

Here is a nice video about them, including a lovely poem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJV-O1e10z8

[Jiggers McCoy]

I prefer Rye in Juleps, but any higher-proof bourbon works well too. Your sweeter bourbons like Makers or Jim Beam should be used for something else. I actually use EW frequently, as it's usually what I have on hand and it's mixable price.

A silver beaker is the most traditional, but I just used my regular double-old fashioned glasses, Can't imagine it makes that much of a difference.

[beerkegbilly]

Yes it will be soon summertime and the mint Juleps time.Like in the old south.

[DeeboCools]

This should be in the drink recipes section but I used to make a "silver julep" which was rumpleminze, Jim beam, in equal porportion, and alot of Ice. It got you crazy drunk and because of the lack of sugar/real mint leaves, The name was a play on how it was cheapened(since the confederacy wanted a silver standard).

[Jiggers McCoy]

Damn, DeeboCools, gonna have to try that one. Sounds like a speedboat to Blackout Island.

[Wingman]

i steep mint leaves in my simple syrup when making it. don't leave them in, but let them steep while it cools.

rye is best, but i've had success with makers as well. just use less simple syrup.

silver plate is acceptable, but not optimal. for the ambiance, not the taste. pewter will get you the frosting effect, too, if you aren't afraid of a little lead.

make sure to enjoy with honorable men and beautiful ladies, for the full effect.

[JohnnyT]

I have never had a mint julep.

[Patchez]

My traditional first Julep day is fast approaching. The Run For the Roses. Derby Day. Gamblin' and getting blind on Makers Juleps at the OTW. They serve 'em in plastic cups though. Sacrifices must be made while at the track I suppose.

[DeeboCools]

I have never had a mint julep.

Which border are you north of? If you're in Canader I suggest a road trip. To the liquor store.

[Superfucker]

When I visit my Girlfriend in North Carolina I'm hoping to go on a tour of Piedmont Distillers (http://www.piedmontdistillers.com/), who distill NC's only legal Carolina Moonshine (bit of an oxymoron, legal moonshine), and despite the heresy this might be I have every intention of enjoying a few moonshine mint juleps.

[BBoozer]

My redhead visited New Orleans before she met me. She was already a good drinker. In a bar some elder people introduced her to the mint julep and warned her that it was 'a dangerous drink' and she should not drink more than two. Of course, she downed multiple mint juleps and to this days she keeps telling me that mint julep is a drink for sissies. Just sharing.

[DeeboCools]

My redhead visited New Orleans before she met me. She was already a good drinker. In a bar some elder people introduced her to the mint julep and warned her that it was 'a dangerous drink' and she should not drink more than two. Of course, she downed multiple mint juleps and to this days she keeps telling me that mint julep is a drink for sissies. Just sharing.

Originally it was considered a breakfast drink, so that's kind of true. In good conscience though I can't call anything a sissy drink if it has bourbon in it.