Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Gin Cocktails

Gin on Gin Julep

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Liquor.com
Liquor.com

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Updated 08/12/21
Gin on Gin Julep in a julep mug with crushed ice and a mint sprig garnish
Image:

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

The Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail that was popularized in the South and is most commonly associated with the iconic Kentucky Derby, where it serves as the event’s official drink. But you don’t need to limit your julep drinking to the first Saturday in May. You don’t even need to use bourbon. The cocktail’s hallmark combination of spirit, mint, sugar and crushed ice works beyond whiskey and lends itself to experimentation. 

Take the Gin on Gin Julep, for example. This chilly and refreshing drink skips bourbon entirely, instead calling for a botanical makeover via the one-two punch of gin and genever. Gin lays down a dry base, while genever—a precursor to gin that dates back to 16th century Holland—has malty characteristics that add warm tones to this otherwise fresh and herbal drink. Simple syrup, mint leaves and club soda round out the cocktail.

The Gin on Gin Julep begins like most juleps, with muddling mint and simple syrup together in the bottom of the glass. Add the spirits, then top the liquids with as much crushed ice as you can reasonably fit into the vessel. A splash of club soda brings balance to the strong spirits and sweet sugar and provides a hint of effervescence. This isn’t the same julep you’ll find in Kentucky, but it shows the category’s versatility and is worth getting to know all the same.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 ounce rich simple syrup

  • 15 large mint leaves

  • 1 ounce Bols genever

  • 1 ounce Plymouth gin

  • 1 splash club soda. chilled

  • Garnish: mint sprig

Steps

  1. In a julep cup, muddle the simple syrup and mint leaves.

  2. Add the genever and gin, then fill the cup with crushed or pellet ice.

  3. Top with the club soda and stir until combined.

  4. Garnish with a mint sprig.