mint julep

American  

noun

1. an alcoholic drink traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, and finely cracked ice and garnished with sprigs of mint, served in a tall, frosted glass: also made with other kinds of whiskey, brandy, and sometimes rum.

---

mint julep British  

noun

1. a long drink consisting of bourbon whiskey, crushed ice, sugar, and sprigs of mint

---

Etymology

Origin of mint julep

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mint julep

That evening I attempted the arguably more difficult task of drinking a mint julep while lying on the floor, feet elevated so as not to disturb the blisters.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026

Eric Greenspan prepares lobster rolls, Maneet Chauhan serves a Southern-belle mint julep, Christian Petroni makes teriyaki meatloaf and Justin Warner fries fajita chimichangas.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2021

“Let us raise a mint julep to our stars,” she proclaimed, “on that great veranda in the sky!”

From New York Times ● Jul. 26, 2020

Washington lore states that Kentuckian and U.S. statesman Henry Clay introduced the mint julep to the nation’s capital in the early 19th century at the hotel where the Willard Intercontinental now stands.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 30, 2020

"Now see here, Tom," said Daisy, turning around from the mirror, "if you're going to make personal remarks I won't stay here a minute. Call up and order some ice for the mint julep."

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---