The Mint Julep

Few classic cocktails have roots so deep in the culture of a particular place (the southern states of America, and most especially Virginia). The elegant drawling accent of the south comes immediately to mind. The word “Julep” has ancient Eastern origins, Julâp being a potion made of rose blossom water, water, sugar and gum arabic, sometimes even with a hint of opium! Until the end of the nineteenth century, the Julep was known mainly for its medicinal properties, until the addition of spearmint transformed it to the cocktail-style Julep.