The Kentucky Mint Julep [Hardcover]

Joe Nickell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 11, 2003

" The ultimate guide to the quintessential Derby drink! A simple concoction -- bourbon, mint, sugar, and water -- the mint julep is legendary. Few people know its history and even fewer know how to properly mix this classic cocktail. Lighthearted, entertaining, and informative, The Kentucky Mint Julep explores the lore and legend of the Kentucky Derby's traditional tipple. Joe Nickell looks at the origins of the julep, offers a brief history of American whiskey and Kentucky bourbon, and shares some classic julep tales. Information on julep cups, tips on garnishing and serving, and reminiscences from the likes of Charles Dickens, Washington Irving, and General John Hunt Morgan give a fun, historic look at Kentucky's favorite drink. The book includes numerous recipes -- for classic juleps, modern variations, non-alcoholic versions, and the author's own thoroughly researched "perfect" mint julep. This delightful book is illustrated with historic photographs, a map of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An entertaining look at the lore, legend and favored formulas for one of America's most storied cocktails." -- Baltimore Sun; Glens Falls (NY) Post-Star, Passaic (NJ) Herald News, Duluth (MN)

"Nickell gives us the history and lore of the beverage as well as a travel guide to Kentucky's Bourbon Trail. He adds plenty of recipes, both traditional and modern, and even a page for writing your own." -- Bloomsbury Review

"An enjoyable foray through the history and legend of one of the south's most recognizable symbols." -- Chevy Chaser/Southsider

"Presents information you will find nowhere else.... The recipes run from the basic to fancy ones using champagne or added flavors, making it a great resource for entertaining. Any fan of the derby or mint juleps will find this book a charming addition to their shelf." -- Horse-Races.net

"A delightful addition to kitchen libraries in and outside the Bluegrass." -- Kentucky Monthly

"A lovely little book. Nickell offers tips on how to make the perfect mint julep [and] provides historic julep recipes from such luminaries as Henry Clay and Irvin S. Cobb. You learn a great deal about Kentucky's official state drink." -- Louisville Courier-Journal

"Short and frequently as sweet as the drink it covers, The Kentucky Mint Julep is a fun, refreshing read." -- Manchester (NH) Hippo

"Mint, syrup, bourbon. Horse-racing fans instantly recognize those ingredients for a mint julep, the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. The book has more than 20 recipes.... It's definitely a book to read before you buy silver julep cups." -- New York Times

"The mint julep... the legend, the Southern signature, the Derby Dream. Here it is -- and pay attention to the ingredients. Substitutions don't cut it." -- Rockland (ME) Courier-Gazette

About the Author

Joe Nickell has worked as a stage magician, carnival pitchman, private detective, advertising writer, riverboat manager, civil rights worker, armed guard, movie extra, blackjack dealer, paranormal investigator, historical document examiner, university instructor, sign painter, museum exhibit designer, surveyor’s chainman, steelworker, tavern waiter, forklift driver, and newspaper stringer. He is the author of Crime Science: Methods of Forensic Detection and Real-Life X-Files: Investigating the Paranormal. He is an honorary Kentucky Colonel who lives in Buffalo, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky (April 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813122759
• ISBN-13: 978-0813122755
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,721 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joe Nickell has been called "the modern Sherlock Holmes." Since 1995 he has been the world's only full-time, professional, science-based paranormal investigator. His careful, often innovative investigations have won him international respect in a field charged with controversy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Its a fun book, June 2, 2011

By 

Jay H - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Kentucky Mint Julep (Hardcover)

Would be nice as a small token gift. It's small and rather short and not heavy on new info. But as a small token gift it would be great!

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quintessential Kentuckiana, July 3, 2007

By 

John C. Snider (Roswell (GA, not NM)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Kentucky Mint Julep (Hardcover)

This great little book will make a wonderful gift or stocking stuffer for anyone from Kentucky, anyone interested in Kentucky, or anyone who has a keen interest in "adult beverages"! Joe Nickell brings the same method of meticulous research honed in investigating everything from weeping icons, haunted hotels, UFO sightings, and sleight-of-hand hoaxers to this charming and quintessentially Kentuckian drink. Way to go, Colonel Nickell!