5 spots mixing up special mint juleps for Derby weekend
This year, Cinco De Mayo and The Kentucky Derby will happen in the same weekend, meaning drinks will be flowing all around.
For decades, the mint julep has been deemed the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs. The cocktail — consisting of bourbon, mint, sugar and water poured over ice — is served up over 120,000 times during the two-day racing event.
Legend has it that centuries ago, a man somewhere near the Mississippi River was searching for water to mix with his bourbon. He stumbled upon some mint leaves in the process and decided to add it to his concoction, and that was how the mint julep was born. If that is too hard for you to believe, we can just roll with the story that the drink was created among Virginia’s high class society around the late 1700s.
As you prepare for the 2019 installment of the Derby and decide on which parties and bars to hit, be sure to add some of these places around Charlotte to your list. Many restaurants and bars will have their own rendition of the drink available throughout the month of May. You may have to make a special request for it, though, since it’s not always on every menu.
Angeline’s
Location: 303 S. Church St.
Name: The All Natural Julep
Courtesy of Angeline’sHow they make it: This julep features Maker’s 46®. It comes together with fresh mint, a honey simple syrup, lemon juice and sugar in the raw.
“This cocktail will remind you of those days of smelling honeysuckle outside and grilling with family on a hot summer day,” lead bartender Julian Billings said.
Civetta
Location: 7828 E. Rae Road
Name: The Italian Julep
How they make it: They start with Maker’s Mark bourbon, fresh mint and crushed ice. Then, fresh strawberries and sweet Marsala wine are added to bring together this unique take on the julep.
You’ll be able to order this drink anytime from the Ballantyne area restaurant’s cocktail menu.
Haberdish
Location: 3106 N. Davidson St.
Name: House Julep
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How they make it: The bartenders at Haberdish mix up Old Grand-Dad bourbon, mint, and sugar and pour it over shaved ice.
On May 4, they’ll feature a special julep made with Makers Mark. You’ll be able to take home your glass as a souvenir, too.
Loft and Cellar
Location: 305 W. 4th St.
Name: Run of the Roses
How they make it: This Uptown restaurant and bar uses Woodford Reserve bourbon with their in-house mint and lavender cordial.
“Our Bluegrass dessert is a play on the Derby Pie and goes great with our Run of the Roses,” said Yashira Mejia, front of house consultant at Loft and Cellar. The fried walnut pie is filled with buttermilk jam and served with a dollop of chocolate mousse.
Merchant and Trade
Location: 303 S. Church St.
Name: The Midnight Shiso Julep
How they make it: This special mixed drink is made with Maker’s Mark bourbon, umami flavoring, smoke heat, spice and is finished with Japanese Shiso, a plant in the mint family.
This rendition of the julep will take you somewhere in Asia. However, you’ll only be able to get it through May 4.
This story was originally published April 30, 2019 at 10:01 PM with the headline "5 spots mixing up special mint juleps for Derby weekend."