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Cocktail History
The Harvest Run is a modern cocktail that was created in 2020 by Alex Sukopp, former bartender of Sips From Scripts, for Derby Day. Before the pandemic started in 2020 and forced it to reschedule, the “Race for the Roses” had never been postponed in its 144 year history, so this riff on the event’s official drink, the Mint Julep, is meant to reflect the fall date given its historical significance. It starts by using the classic’s template of bourbon and mint as a base and adds a mix of fall flavors, including apricot brandy, crème de cassis, and homemade blackberry and cinnamon syrups.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, with other grains, water, and yeast, which are distilled and then aged in new charred oak barrels to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
Apricot Brandy: This is a type of brandy made with fermented apricot juice and yeast, which are distilled and aged to develop a smooth, stone fruit flavor.
Blackberry Syrup: This is a sweetener made with blackberries, white sugar, and water, which are heated and infused into a syrup with a bold berry flavor.
Cinnamon Syrup: This is a sweetener made with cinnamon sticks, white sugar, and water, which are heated and infused into a syrup with a spiced, aromatic flavor.
Crème De Cassis: This is a liqueur made with blackcurrants, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a dark, tart berry flavor.
Mint: This is an herb made from the leaves of the mint plant, which are harvested and used for their cool, aromatic flavor.
Cinnamon Stick: This is a spice made from dried and rolled bark of the cinnamon tree that has a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Muddler: This is used to muddle ingredients. I used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Burgundy color
• Aroma: Mint, cinnamon, and spices
• Taste: Spicy and sweet bourbon flavor mixed with notes of strong fruit, berries, and cinnamon
• Finish: More spices and mint
Kendall’s Take: “I don’t drink Mint Juleps very often because those are essentially just whiskey and mint, but I had to try this autumn-inspired version for myself after seeing how much more complex it would be. I absolutely loved the addition of all the berry and stone fruit notes and would make the Harvest Run over the classic just about any day now that I’ve had it.”
Recipe
Harvest Run
Description
The Harvest Run is a modern cocktail that was created in 2020 by Alex Sukopp, former bartender of Sips From Scripts, for Derby Day. Before the pandemic started in 2020 and forced it to reschedule, the "Race for the Roses" had never been postponed in its 144 year history, so this riff on the event's official drink, the Mint Julep, is meant to reflect the fall date given its historical significance. It starts by using the classic's template of bourbon and mint as a base and adds a mix of fall flavors, including apricot brandy, crème de cassis, and homemade blackberry and cinnamon syrups.
Ingredients
Method
Add mint leaves, blackberry syrup, and cinnamon syrup to a julep tin.
Using a muddler, gently muddle mint leaves in blackberry syrup and cinnamon syrup for 5-7 seconds.
Fill julep tin with crushed ice.
Add bourbon, apricot brandy, and crème de cassis to julep tin.
Using a bar spoon, gently stir for 3-5 seconds.
Pack julep tin with more crushed ice.
Garnish with cinnamon stick and mint sprig.
