Before the Julep was a celebrated type of cocktail, it was medicine. And before it was automatically made with bourbon, it was typically made with brandy. The Prescription Julep reflects both aspects of the Julep’s history. Published in Harper’s Monthly in 1857, it was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the drink’s medicinal past and called for both Cognac and rye whiskey. The dual spirit base is a beautiful balance of spice and depth, which supports the extra kick of sugar from the simple syrup and gets a refreshing, aromatic blast from the mint. As cocktail historian David Wondrich writes in Imbibe!, this is the “tastiest Mint Julep recipe” he knows. We can’t help but agree.
INGREDIENTS
- .5 oz rye whiskey
- 1.5 oz cognac
- .5 oz rich simple syrup
- 7-10 fresh mint leaves, plus more to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Step one
Add simple syrup and mint leaves to a julep tin or rocks glass and gently muddle.
Step two
Add Cognac and rye and stir briefly.
Step three
Fill glass with crushed ice and stir again.
Step four
Mount the glass with more crushed ice, garnish with mint sprigs and serve with a straw.
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