Friday, May 7, 2010

platonic julep

1 1/2 oz Sherry (Lustau Don Nuño Dry Oloroso)
3/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse
4 sprigs Mint
1 tsp Sugar

Dissolve sugar in a splash of water, add mint, and muddle in a Julep cup, double old fashioned, or highball glass. Remove mint, add rest of ingredients, and stir. Fill with crushed ice, and decorate with fruit, berries, and fresh mint.

Since we did not partake of Juleps for Derby Day last weekend, on Monday I found a good use for the newly emerging mint in our garden. The Julep recipe I found, the Platonic Julep, was from Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars: 1903-1933 and contained an appealing combination of sherry and yellow Chartreuse instead of the more standard whiskey or less standard classic Julep spirits like gin, rum, or brandy. Perhaps it was Heresy to consider this, but what tasty, tasty Heresy it was.
The nose was filled with mint and orange from the garnishes. Mint and yellow Chartreuse flavors dominated the sip with the nutty sherry filling the swallow. The mint and yellow Chartreuse made for a great pairing, and both complemented the sherry rather well. The Platonic Julep was more complex and flavorful than a standard Bourbon one, albeit a bit less boozy of an offering.

5 comments:

Barbara West said...

Sounds tasty, and I LOVE the name. Any intel on its origins?

frederic said...

All I know is that the only source of the recipe is that book that was a compilation of pre-Prohibition bartenders' recipes. A lot of the drinks can be found nowhere else, and this one is no exception. Google only pulls up this entry.

Is it meant for just friends (until you've had a few) or is it the ideal Julep or is it WWPD (what would Plato drink)? Who knows, other than it was pretty tasty and rather unique.

KeithP said...

Hey Frederic ... gave this a try per your suggestion. an interesting riff, cool flavor combo. Used prob too strong a sherry and i think it might have over powered things just a bit but will try again.

frederic said...

Which sherry did you use?

KeithP said...

Pedro Ximenez Muy Viejo ... may not have been the best choice as it's a pretty potent mix.