Mint Julep from Seelbach Hilton Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky
While in Louisville, KY for the first time, and for work, my co-worker and I visited the visitor center for the center and quickly found out that the Mint Julep is a staple drink in the area. It quickly became apparent that we would need to try a mint julep while in town - the only time I’ve tried a Mint Julep is the non-alcoholic Disneyland version.
And so, I inquired with the staff at the Louisville Visitor Center what were the best locations to try a mint julep - the Brown Hotel and Seelbach were top locations to visit. The mint julep itself is a classic southern cocktail that's been enjoyed for over a century - and is also the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It's a refreshing drink that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. To make a mint julep, you'll need some fresh mint leaves, bourbon whiskey, sugar, and crushed ice. Start by muddling a few mint leaves in the bottom of a glass with a teaspoon of sugar. Add two ounces of bourbon and give it a stir. Then fill the glass with crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Did you know that the month of April is Mint Julep Month in Louisville?!
The Seelbach Hilton Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, is famous for its mint juleps. In fact, the hotel has its own recipe that's been passed down for generations. The Seelbach's mint julep is made with Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon, fresh mint, and a secret blend of sugar and spices. The drink is served in a silver cup and garnished with a sprig of mint and a dusting of powdered sugar. Not going to lie, I was thinking the cocktail would be a bit more substantial, but it is fairly strong for my personal liking, but I’ll still drink it!