Mint julep of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning." Davis’ interviewee mentions his love for whiskey came from his daily preparation of the drink Americans enjoyed not only bourbon-based juleps during the nineteenth century, but also gin-based juleps made with genever, an aged gin. British Captain Frederick Marryat's 1840 book "Second Series of A Diary in America" describes on page 41 the "real mint julep" thus: The 1862 edition of "Bar-Tenders Guide: How to Mix Drinks or The Bon-Vivant's Companion" by Jerry Thomas includes five recipes for the mint julep (as well as an
Mint julep vary considerably from one bartender to another. The mint julep may be considered a member of a loosely associated family of drinks called "smashes" (the brandy smash is another example, as well as the mojito), in which fresh mint and other ingredients are muddled or crushed in preparation for flavoring the finished drink. The step further releases essential oils and juices into the mixture, intensifying the flavor from the added ingredient or ingredients. Traditionally, mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups, and held only by the bottom and top edges of the cup. This allows frost to