This weekend is the Kentucky Derby, and everybody is going to be drinking Mint Juleps. The Mint Julep isn’t really one of my go-to cocktails; I personally prefer the Whiskey Smash, which makes the important addition of lemon juice to an otherwise very sweet cocktail. But you can’t drink a Whiskey Smash while watching the Kentucky Derby – it’s got to be a julep. So if, like me, the traditional Mint Julep isn’t your favorite, I humbly suggest this variation: the Champagne Julep. It has all the flavor of a Mint Julep drawn out on a beautiful canvas of sparkling wine. It’s the perfect twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby beverage.
History: I don’t have any information on this one! I got the recipe from Punch, but they don’t credit it to anyone. It may be their own invention. There’s another Champagne Julep recipe floating around that uses sherry, and it’s referred to as a “1940s Champagne Julep,” so it seems the concept goes back at least that far.
Champagne Julep
1/2 oz. Cognac
3 oz. champagne or other sparkling wine
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
6-7 mint leaves
In a julep tin or rocks glass, combine mint leaves and simple syrup and muddle. Add Cognac, bitters, and champagne. Fill with crushed ice and stir gently. Mound more crushed ice on top. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon peel.
Recipe from Punch.