The Kentucky Derby is over, so I am a little late in posted this!
The Mint Julep is typically associated with the Kentucky Derby & it’s the drink that prompted Hemingway to throw his glass against a wall. You probably also know that it should be served in a silver cup with shaved or crushed ice, FRESH mint & Tennessee Whiskey.
Here are some facts that you probably didn’t know:
Centuries ago, there was an Arabic drink called julab, made with water and rose petals. The beverage had a delicate and refreshing scent that people thought would instantly enhance the quality of their lives. In the Mediterranean, local mint replaced the rose petals and the “mint julep” became popular.
It was first mentioned in print in 1803; it was described as a “dram of spirituous liquor that has mint in it, taken by Virginians in the morning.”
In 1850, Kentucky senator Henry Clay supposedly made the mint julep popular in Washington, D.C. at the Round Robin Bar.
Gone With the Wind fans will recall that the Mint Julep is mentioned multiple times in the movie.
There are more, but these are the best ones. 😉
Published by Culinary Chick
My name is Anna Hattauer and I love to cook. I am a personal chef living in Maryland.
I grew up in California, joined the United States Army right after high school, got married, raised three children while going to college and working full time. As a young military wife and mother, we didn't have the money to go out to eat on a regular basis and had to make each pay check stretch. I learned how to prepare meals that were delicious, while staying within budget. While working full-time in the corporate world with the usual 2-3 hour I-270 commute, coupled with school & sports events, scouts and taking care of three children, it was tough to find the time or the energy to come home and prepare healthy meals for my family.
Being a military family, we have traveled to many places around the world. I love trying new foods, the challenge of cooking new recipes and having friends over for dinner as well as cooking for special events. After cooking for my friends and family for over 25 years, I decided that I wanted to share my love of food and make people happy, so I dropped the corporate chaos and attended a formal culinary school and became a certified personal chef.
I am a member of the United States Personal Chef Association and I am licensed, insured and ServSafe certified.
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