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Cocktail History
The Lumberjack Julep is an autumn cocktail that was created by Josh Durr in Louisville, Kentucky. Like its iconic predecessor, the recipe blends whiskey, mint, and syrup, but it swaps the traditional simple syrup for a spiced maple version that brings cozy, fall-inspired warmth to every sip. This seasonal variation captures the essence of autumn while maintaining the refreshing qualities of the original Mint Julep, making it great for cooler weather gatherings or a laid-back evening drink.
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, grains, malted barley, and water. I used Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bourbon.
Rye: This is a type of whiskey made with at least 51% rye grain, malted barley, corn, and water. I used Heaven Hill Distillery Rittenhouse Rye.
Spiced Maple Syrup: This is a sweet, amber-colored syrup made by boiling down the sap of sugar maple trees and flavoring it with baking spices.
Mint Leaves: These are the fresh, aromatic leaves of the mint plant.
Mint Sprig: This is a sprig of fresh, aromatic leaves from the mint plant.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.
Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Muddler: This is a tool that’s used to crush or mash ingredients at the bottom of a glass to release their flavors. I used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.
Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring, layering, and reaching the bottom of tall cocktail glasses. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Tin: This is a small, metal or glass cup that’s designed to keep the drink icy cold and enhance its presentation with a frosty exterior. I used the Godinger Hamilton House Tumbler.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Ombré mint green that melts into a golden brown color
• Aroma: Classic mint and baking spices
• Taste: Rich flavors of strong, spicy American whiskey married with sweet, dark maple and mint
• Finish: More zesty and bright mint
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “Oof, I forgot how strong Mint Juleps were until my first sip of this recipe. After an afternoon of chopping wood, it makes sense that a lumberjack would reach for a strong, spicy cocktail, and I have to imagine that this one would really hit the spot when the leaves are changing colors all around you. I loved the addition of the spiced maple syrup to the classic template and think I’d prefer the Lumberjack Julep over the original just about any day of the year. Yum!”
Recipe
Lumberjack Julep
The Lumberjack Julep is an autumn cocktail that was created by Josh Durr in Louisville, Kentucky. Essentially a simple variation of the iconic Mint Julep, one of the oldest known mixed beverages and the now official drink of Derby Day, it also calls for whiskey, syrup, and mint like the original, but this fall-inspired version uses a delicious spiced maple syrup in place of the simple.
Ingredients
Method
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Add mint leaves and spiced maple syrup to a julep tin or glass.
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Muddle gently for 5-7 seconds.
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Fill mug with crushed ice.
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Add bourbon and rye.
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Stir for 3-5 seconds.
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Pack mug with more crushed ice.
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Garnish with mint sprig.
