The mint mint julep may be most associated with the Kentucky Derby , but that does n’t think you ca n’t order one any other sidereal day of the year . Therefreshing southerly cocktail , well bask on a indolent summertime day , is n’t anything fancy — it ’s basically just crushed ice , a hefty pour of bourbon , muzzy mint , and simple syrup — which throw it ripe for creative interpretations . And legal community across the commonwealth are get into the liveliness with innovative twists on the traditional . In honor of this month ’s National Mint Julep Day , celebrated May 30 , here are eight bars , both below and above the Mason Dixon line , blend up mint juleps worth journey for .
1. DOC CROW’S SOUTHERN SMOKEHOUSE & RAW BAR // LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
If you ’re based in Bourbon dynasty - centric Louisville , and your downtown locating is informally known as “ Whiskey Row , ” then you ’re pretty much obligated to serve an out - of - this - world mint julep . Doc Crow ’s , with its signature “ Near Eastern Julep , ” return and then some . Bartenders here set off with plenty of smash ice and Old Grand - Dad bottled - in - bond Bourbon dynasty , add in peppiness - instill simple syrup and Becherovka , an herbal bitter with a spicy - bittersweet wrench , and exchange basil for the usual spate . Sip your toxicant at the ginmill , or grab a table with friend and pair it with a Southern specialty like shrimp and cheddar grits , Texas - style brisket , or electrocute pork barrel chops .
2. PARLIAMENT // DALLAS
Creative cocktail are always on the menu atParliament , but this beloved Dallas haunt loves to elevate their fare for special occasions . To lionize the Derby this year , they rolled out five particular Kentucky - prompt cocktails , including the Southern Belle , a revivifying riff on the traditional julep . Rhubarb sugar and strawberry - infused Maker ’s Mark Bourbon dynasty corporate trust with lots of lot for an extra - fresh flavor — perfect for preserve cool in the Texas heat . ( And on those rare social occasion when the sun is n’t shining , not to worry — Parliament tender happy hour peck not only from 5 to 8 p.m. daily , but any time it ’s rain outside ! )
3. JULEP // HOUSTON, TEXAS
Meanwhile , down in Houston , legal profession proprietorAlba Huerta — the recipient of many honour and accolade for her imaginative beverage — is such a buff of the classic cocktail that she nominate her ecesis simplyJulep . plan to spotlight the sound of Southern comfort nutrient , you ’ll find hatful of fried oysters , pulled pork , and yes , mint juleps . Since it spread out in 2014 , Julep has spotlighted many versions of its namesake drinking — like its headline - grabbingSparkling Julep , made with Gamay bubbly , cognac , mint candy , and turbinado sirup — although its classic julep , with its blend of Four Roses and JW Dant bonded - in - bottle Bourbon , plus turbinado to add a gentle hint of molasses - dash bouquet , never run out of style .
4. THE LEADBELLY // NEW YORK CITY
This acclaim Lower East Side junction assist up oyster from both coasts , along with a selection of well - curated small plates , all the better to revel with a thirst - extinction julep . Leadbellybartender Colin Asare - AppiahtoldTown & Countrymagazinehe was invigorate to give the bourbon - and - mint sipper a 21st - century makeover after reading up on the century - honest-to-goodness drink . " Research showed me that there were snare , genever , and cognac change , " he said . " Vodka has been the forward-looking - day hero sandwich of the cocktail bar scene , and so I decide to apply a well - craft vodka and tot fresh spearmint with cucumber . " Ca n’t make it to NYC anytime soon ? Therecipeis available online so you may still taste the invigorating vodka - cucumber intermixture at home .
5. KINGFISH // NEW ORLEANS
Beloved fourth - contemporaries bartenderChris McMillian , arguably the nation’sforemostjulep maker , may no longer helm the bar at this French Quarter creation , but his legendary juleps live on in the more - than - ample hand of current tether bartender Justin Gerhmann . Bourbon and peaches are rude allies — peach brandy was often used as the home for juleps mixed in the 1800s — and theKingfishversion celebrates that delectable conjugation by conflate peach syrup with Maker ’s Mark bourbon and plenty .
6. BLUDSO’S BAR & QUE // LOS ANGELES
site just a few pulley-block south of Santa Monica Boulevard , Bludso ’s Bar & Quecaters to Angelenos with a taste for big Texas BBQ flavor . late earning thetop spotin LA.Eater ’s list of essential barbecue spots in the area , the family - owned eatery is beloved for its unquestionable , slow - fume ribs , brisket , chicken , and more . course you ’ll need something to wash all that down with , and while Bludso ’s boasts plenty of craft beer and local wines , do n’t skim their juleps , which are pre - kegged and — quite delightfully — served on draft . The boozy treat is made with Evan Williams bourbon ( a Louisville dearie ) and , despite the unusual on - tap plait , is still served traditionally in a silver cup with flock of humbled ice .
7. TEDDY & THE BULLY BAR // WASHINGTON, D.C.
This Dupont Circle protection to our gallant 26th chairwoman claims to serve up all that Roosevelt carry dear , gastronomically mouth ( mean steaks , fried poulet , theatre - made cornbread , and , of form , wild - biz knockout starring bison , boar , and venison ) . Their cocktail list , though , is whereTeddy & the Bully Barreally clamber , serving classic drinks inspired by “ the golden era of American cocktail , ” or more or less the menstruation between the early 1800s right up to proscription . The chicly constitute Interior Department , with its false taxidermy , gas - power luminance fixtures , and restored antique stove , is the perfect setting to sip on Teddy ’s berry - licious julep , which mix Woodford mint - infused Bourbon dynasty , fresh mint , and strawberry shrub .
8. FIG & OLIVE // CHICAGO
As its name evoke , Fig & Oliveis best known for their Mediterranean culinary art and dearest of all things olive — they swap out butter for olive oil in nearly all their formula — but their creative thinking does n’t terminate with food . to begin with base in New York but now with eight locations across the commonwealth , this upscale dining experience features a plethora of classic cocktails with a unquestionably mod twist . TheirChicago locationfeatures a Fig & Walnut Julep , which start out with Four Roses Bourbon dynasty but then turn the usual julep recipe on its nous . Elderflower liqueur , muddled pitch-dark common fig , citrus , and trim - walnut garnish transform this front - porch - sip Southern staple into a Mediterranean medley .
