New and Classic Ways To Drink A Mint Julep

Barrow's Intense Mint Julep

For those of you who plan to celebrate at home, we are telling you everything you need to celebrate the Kentuck Derby at home, starting with the infamous mint julep. Mint juleps were originally made with brandy but we're giving you an extensive list of brands and cocktail recipes to freshen up this fan favorite cocktail. Similar to a Horizontal Tasting, you can give life to mint juleps with tequila, ginger, and gin. For those who prefer the classic, we've got you covered.

While those at Churchill Downs will be drinking the refreshing combination of brandy, mint, sugar, and bourbon over crushed ice, will teach you our favorite recipes and brands. And if you're not a cocktail fan, don't worry, shots on us.

Makers Mark

Maker’s Mark is Kentucky’s bourbon darling. Made using soft red winter wheat (vs. rye) to create a bourbon with a flavor that finishes on the front of the tongue, it’s a delicious addition to any Julep. The caramel and vanilla play deliciously with mint in the Julep and it doesn’t hurt that Maker’s first ever customer in the 1950s was a horse race course – Keeneland in Lexington Kentucky!

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength goes straight from barrel to bottle at 110 to 114 proof. Cask Strength retains the signature front-of-the-palate flavors of Maker’s Mark, but amps up those flavors to create remarkable new bourbon that really stands up in Juleps, especially those with added ingredients like fruit or other liqueurs. The robust spice and oaky flavors of the bourbon, balance the sweetness and minty essence of a classic Julep or a more inventive version.  

Wild Turkey Master's Keep Decades

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Decades: The second premium expression from Master Distiller Eddie Russell’s Master’s Keep series, uses some of the rarest and precious barrels in Wild Turkey’s heralded stock. Made from a blend of whiskies aged 10 to 20 years, this 104 proof (52% alc. /vol.) whiskey will retail for a limited time, at $150 per bottle. More background in the release below.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed: One of the pioneers of small batch bourbons, Rare Breed is pure barrel proof whiskey, meaning no water is added to reduce the level of alcohol during the bottling process. This year we’re celebrating an even higher proof with a new bottle design.

The Union Horse Distilling Company Reunion Straight Rye — a small batch, 100 percent rye whiskey handcrafted from the finest quality rye and aged in Union Horse’s signature oak barrels. Reunion unites smooth complex notes of butterscotch, caramel, ginger and cinnamon spice. (93 proof). 

How to make a mint julep

The typical directions consist of muddle mint in the bottom of cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice and add remaining ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain into glass with crushed ice. Garnish with sprig of mint

Our Favorite Recipes (Use directions above and check the gallery beow for final results)

Intense Ginger Mint Julep Created by Barrow’s Intense

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 1/2 oz Barrows Intense Ginger Liqueur

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 3-4 sprigs of mint

NOLET’S Silver Bulleit

• 1 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin

• 1 oz. Bulleit® Bourbon

• 1 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice

• 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

• 0.75 oz. Simple Syrup

Mexican Mint Julep:

• 2.5 oz. Avión Reposado

• 0.5 oz. Simple Syrup

• Mint

Cynar Julep

• 2 oz. Cynar

• 3/4 oz. Lemon

• 1 oz. Grapefruit

• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

• Julep cup/Mint/Crushed Ice

NOLET's Bulleit

Cynar Julep

Mexican Pharaoh Julep

How To Do An Extended Stay Right

While you or a client may be travelling to the city for work, it's always hard to find the right place for extended stays where you can work and be able to have a casual meeting with a client. We all have those days where we have to run uptown to downtown and never able to find a good middle place. Now with an updated lounge and know for long term trips you can settle in between at AKA Central Park (42 West 58th Street New York, NY). Designed by Ed Asfour of Asfour Guzy Architects a.lounge is newly renovated giving a new look to the iconic landmarks of New York.

Drink of choice is the house made, AKA branded wine, a.vin Chardonnay made by Montogomery County's Karamoor Estates. The aromas of pear and jasmine notes with a zesty flavor entry of lemongrass and vibrant minerality.

Outside of the lounge AKA Central Park offers the perfect place for travellers to stay in their hotel suites. With the feel of an intimiate hotel and a luxury apartment this is for the traveller who doesn't quite need a pied-a-terre but still wants to stay somewhere nice while on business. 

Outside of the AKA lounge guests have access a 24 hour doorman, s one of the most spectacular fitness centers in NYC, residents-only lounge, and private access to the café – for breakfast, espresso, lunch, and afternoon tea.

The brand new 17 story high rise offers 134 beautifully designed, spacious studios, one and two bedroom furnished apartments in Manhattan with full kitchens – ideal for individuals staying a week or longer. Wi-Fi, cable TV and espresso machines are all complimentaryto residents.

If you choose to stay in the penthouse be prepared for a private wrap terraces perfect for entertaining with breathtaking views over the Manhattan skyline.