A delightful twist on the classic Mint Julep, our Apple Julep harmoniously combines the crispness of the apple with the sweet undertones of mint. Jiggers n’ Drams has perfected this cocktail, ensuring a premium experience with every meticulously crafted sip.
Apple Julep – A Cocktail with Class
A perfectly crafted apple julep is designed to be your all-day companion, making it the go-to choice for batching. Perhaps that’s the secret behind the enduring popularity of mint juleps and their variations at horse racing events. There’s always been a special connection between cocktails and horse racing. Some drinks are even crafted to commemorate iconic races and legendary horses. Just imagine, hundreds of gallons of julep are sold each year at Churchill Downs, adding to the festive spirit of the races.
Recommended Spirits
Bourbon, bourbon, and more bourbon! When you’re pondering which bourbon plays the lead role in your Apple Julep, the classic choice is none other than Woodford Reserve – the same one that adds magic to mint juleps at the Kentucky Derby. Renowned for its deep and intricate flavor profile coupled with a velvety smoothness, it elevates a julep to something truly upscale. If you’re in the mood to explore alternatives, consider the likes of Maker’s Mark, Redemption Bourbon, Elijah Craig, or the ever-reliable Four Roses Single Barrel.
The Dos And Don’ts
Getting that perfect mint flavor is all about the essential oils. When you’re after that pure mint aroma, give those leaves a gentle bruise without going full-on crush mode. This helps release the oils from those cool modified trichomes, which are the ‘tiny hairs’ on the leaf’s surface. The key here is to avoid bringing chlorophyll into the mix because that’s the culprit behind turning your mint all bitter. For the ultimate mint-growing success, go for Spearmint. Check out varieties like Mojito Mint or Kentucky Colonel for some top-notch flavors.
Apple Julep

Equipment
- double rocks glass
- iSi whipper
- mixing glass
- julep strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- ½ oz. rich demerara syrup
- ½ oz. sour
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 10-12 mint leaves
- 2-3 thin slices of a red delicious apple
- crushed ice
Instructions
Bourbon Infusion
- Infuse bourbon with apples in iSi whipper - 2 oz. bourbon, 1 slice of red apple, chopped, 1 stick of cinnamon crushed all put into iSi whipper and charged.
Cocktail
- Add bourbon infusion, sour, and then ice. Roll the drink to combine the ingredients.
- Place crushed ice into a double rocks glass.
- Double strain mixture into glass and top with club soda. Add additional ice as needed.
- Gently slap a few mint sprigs in your hands and rub the outside of the top of the glass with the mint.
- Place the mint in the glass, and complete the garnish with an apple wheel. Place tall wide straw into the drink.