Coffee Cocktail Recipe: The Espresso Julep

Spring is here, and whether you’re gallivanting on a balcony in New Orleans, beachcombing the Outer Banks, or hootin’ and hollerin’ at a Nashville honky-tonk, the mint julep packs a refreshing punch and is an easy sipper for the warmest days no matter where you are. While the mint julep can be enjoyed anywhere, the cocktail is a Kentucky tradition, and if you happen to find yourself at Churchill Downs donning seersucker and showing off your gloriously embellished fascinators—don’t forget your libation. 

Initially, we questioned whether or not we should mess with such a classic and admittedly perfect recipe, but where is the fun in that? When in doubt, add espresso. We’re proud and excited to collaborate with Jordan Hughes, known as @highproofpreacher on social media, for his unique take on the mint julep with an espresso twist. Based in Portland, Oregon, Jordan is an intrepid cocktail savant with a knack for storytelling, adding dynamism to the craft while remaining extraordinarily thoughtful and introspective. Jordan reminds us that cocktails represent American history and ground us in an alive and growing culture. 

Tales of the Cocktail: The Mint Julep 

The mint julep is a Southern icon and a quintessential classic cocktail celebrated in the American regional culinary history annals. The mint Julep originated well before 1875 when Churchill Downs was erected, and most scholars agree that the mint julep originated at some point in the 18th century. 

Fred Minnick, author of Bourbon Curious and the celebrated bourbon authority for the Kentucky Derby Museum, says that one of the first mentions of the mint julep appears in John Davis’ book Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States: 1798-1802. Davis defines the mint julep as “a dram of spiritous liquor with mint, taken by Virginians on a morning.” Today, The mint julep is a Southern icon and a quintessential classic cocktail celebrated in the American regional culinary history annals. The mint julep was enjoyed well before 1875 when Churchill Downs was erected, and most scholars agree that the mint julep originated at some point in the 18th century. Since 1875, the mint julep has been a Kentucky Derby staple and became an icon in 1938 when the drinks sold for $.38 each and were served in a silver souvenir glass with a horseshoe stamp. 

Espresso Julep Recipe 

We recommend using a rich molasses and dark chocolate coffee like Onyx Coffee's Monarch Blend for this espresso julep recipe. It compliments Westward Whiskey's fruity, earthy, and sweet profile perfectly. We recommend Westward whiskey because it represents the American Northwest, offering a bold and rich body to complement the julep's minty effervescence. 

Espresso Julep

–

1½ oz Westward Whiskey*

1½ oz Espresso

½ oz Organic cane syrup

Fresh mint

–

Add 4-5 mint leaves to your cup (preferably a copper cup). There is no need to muddle; just gently drag the leaves around the inside of the cup. This will coat the cup's interior with those fragrant mint essential oils. Add the syrup and whiskey before topping with crushed or pebble ice. Stir briefly. Take your fresh espresso and chill it down by shaking it briefly with a few big pieces of ice. Strain the chilled espresso into the cocktail before topping it with more ice. Garnish with a bouquet of fresh mint.

*For those teetotalers who still want a delicious and refreshing beverage sans alcohol, we recommend Kentucky 74 non-alcoholic whiskey. 

If you find yourself watching the most exciting two minutes in sports, don’t forget your espresso julep and go for the roses! Also, pet the horses for us.

Cheers!