Mint juleps are a sure sign that summer weather is here (or if not, then we know it's pretty darn close!). A cocktail steeped in Southern heritage and culture, the modern julep is classically served in its signature silver cup, and heaped with shaved ice, a healthy dose of bourbon, fresh mint leaves, and sugar. In a nod to its history, this recipe from the 2016 JBFA-nominated cookbook The Southerner's Cookbook goes back to the origins of this summertime sipper and anchors the drink with Cognac and rum, just like they did in the early 19th century. In this riff, sweet sorghum syrup is swapped for superfine sugar to add extra depth and complexity, while the requisite gently muddled mint leaves remain, adding brightness and a gentle herbaceousness. Get the recipe.
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Hilary Deutsch is editorial assistant at the James Beard Foundation. Find her on Instagram.
