Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Cognac & Other Brandy Cocktails

Napoleon Julep

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Liquor.com
Liquor.com

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Updated 08/15/21
Napoleon Julep cocktail in a silver julep cup, with crushed ice, mint and a red-and-white straw
Image:

Porchlight

The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail with roots in the American South, popularized in the 1800s and predominately known for combining bourbon with sugar, crushed ice and mint. However, the julep extends beyond the bourbon-laced version and is a category of drinks that features a spirit served over crushed ice. That means you can make all manner of juleps with different spirits, liqueurs and non-alcoholic ingredients. One example is the Napoleon Julep from Nick Bennett, the beverage director at Porchlight in New York City.

Bennett’s julep skips whiskey entirely, opting instead to feature cognac in the starring role. He joins that cognac with St-Germain elderflower liqueur, homemade green tea syrup and mole bitters for a drink that’s fruity, spiced and flavorful, while the mint and lemon zest garnishes keep their fresh fragrances front and center.

Serve the Napoleon Julep in a frosty julep cup packed with plenty of crushed ice, and you have an icy, refreshing cocktail to drink all summer long.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Hennessy VSOP cognac

  • 1/2 ounce St-Germain elderflower liqueur

  • 1/4 ounce green tea syrup*

  • 2 dashes Bittermens Xocolatl mole bitters

  • Garnish: mint sprig

  • Garnish: lemon zest, finely grated

Steps

  1. Add the cognac, St-Germain, green tea syrup and mole bitters to a julep cup or double Old Fashioned glass.

  2. Fill halfway with crushed or pebble ice, then swizzle to chill.

  3. Pack the glass with more ice, forming a mound at the top.

  4. Garnish with the mint, and finely grate the lemon zest over the surface of the drink.

*Green tea syrup: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, add 4 green tea bags, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, discard the tea bags, and stir in 2 cups of sugar until it dissolves. Let the syrup cool. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.