Like so many classic cocktails, the Mint Julep’s history is a vast series of smaller tributaries flowing together into the mighty river of bourbon that we know today. The term ‘Julep’ most likely originated with the Arabic word Golâb, which meant ‘rose water.’ That word in turn gradually changed into julab, which became associated with sweet, medicinal drinks. … Read More

Whiskey Smash

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that the whiskey smash is a type of julep. All smashes are juleps, but not every julep is a smash. So what’s the difference? In 1888, the bartender Harry Johnson introduced the smash as a category separate from the julep, but he never really adequately explains the difference. Typically … Read More