Get cozy this winter with a simple Rye Whiskey Julep recipe! This cocktail uses rye whiskey, sugar , Angostura Bitters and fresh mint to create a refreshing and satisfying drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 181
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 sugar cube
- 1 dash soda water
- 5 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig & icing sugar - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Julep Cup or Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Muddler
- Bar spoon or long stirrer
- Straw
Instructions
- Add Sugar Cube: Place 1 sugar cube in your Julep cup or Old Fashioned glass.
- Add Angostura Aromatic Bitters: Pour 5 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters over the sugar cube.
- Add Soda Water: Measure and pour 1 dash soda water on the sugar cube as well.
- Muddle: Muddle the sugar cube to reduce it to powder and make sure it will fully dissolve later on.
- Add Mint: Place 6-8 fresh mint leaves in one hand and gently smack it with the other, to release its aromas. Add the mint to the Julep cup or Old Fashioned glass.
- Add Rye Whiskey: Measure and pour 2 oz Rye Whiskey of your choice into the glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass three-quarters full with crushed ice.
- Stir: Using a bar spoon or long stirrer, churn well to combine the ingredients.
- Add Ice: Add a straw and top up with more crushed ice.
- Garnish: Place a mint sprig into the glass and sprinkle some icing sugar on top for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rye Whiskey: Bourbon, which is used in the classic Mint Julep, is a great alternative if you don't have rye whiskey. You can also use Scotch for a smokier flavor.
- Sugar Cube: If you don’t have sugar cubes, you can use simple syrup instead (approx. ¾ oz/22 ml, feel free to adjust to taste).
- Angostura Bitters: If you don’t have Angostura bitters on hand or if you want to experiment with a different twist, you can use other types of old-fashioned aromatic bitters. For a result that’s close to the original cocktail, try to choose bitters that are heavy on spices (such as clove and cinnamon) and low on sugar.
- Mint Leaves: If fresh mint isn't available, you can use a few drops of mint extract. However, be careful, as it's pretty potent.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic whiskey's flavor. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own rye whiskey substitute by infusing together rooibos tea and a bunch of spices of your liking (vanilla and cinnamon are always a good way to start). Mix all the ingredients together, add hot water, cover and let it infuse for at least 3h (the stronger the better, so if you have time let it infuse overnight. In that case, you can either let it rest in the fridge once the liquid has cooled down). Give it a taste, adjust the spice level if necessary and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea-whiskey” can be kept for up to a week.
- Angostura Bitters: You can add a drop of cinnamon and/or clove essence to your drink or substitute the sugar with cinnamon syrup to mimic the spicy kick of the bitters. Also note that a few dashes of bitter in an otherwise alcohol-free drink won’t raise the overall ABV of the drink. The drink will indeed chemically contain a drop of alcohol, but won’t make you intoxicated at all. Depending on your reason for not drinking alcohol and your degree of tolerance on the topic, you can choose to omit the bitters or to include them in your preparation.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular rye whiskey & bitters, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The Rye Whiskey Julep cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including rye whiskey, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process; always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.What is a Rye Whiskey Julep?
A Rye Whiskey Julep is a whiskey-based cocktail made of rye whiskey, fresh mint leaves, sugar, Angostura Bitters and crushed ice. This drink is relatively easy to make but requires some attention to detail in the preparation process.
The Rye Whiskey Julep is a classic Mint Julep variant that traditionally uses bourbon instead of rye whiskey. The substitution gives this version an extra spicy kick that complements the freshness of mint.
An exciting aspect of this cocktail is its serving tradition – often served in silver or pewter cups known as julep cups. These metal containers are not just for aesthetics; they help keep your drink cold longer due to their heat-conductive properties, making them perfect for sipping on warm days.
What is a Rye Whiskey Julep made of – The ingredients
To put together a Rye Whiskey Julep, have these ingredients ready:
- Rye Whiskey: The base spirit of the cocktail, it provides a robust and spicy flavor.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A key ingredient in the classic Mint Julep; they add a refreshing and aromatic touch to the drink.
- Sugar Cube: Balances the whiskey’s strength with sweetness.
- Angostura Bitters: Adds complexity with its blend of spices and herbs, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.
- Crushed Ice: Chills the drink quickly and dilutes the strong flavors slightly over time.
- Mint Sprig: Serves as a garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a hint of mint aroma.
