FARGO — The Monday Mark is a weekly feature highlighting unusual holidays of the week. In addition to Memorial Day today, this week marks celebrations for everything from grape Popsicles to rocky road ice cream.
Thursday, May 30, also happens to be National Mint Julep Day, a time to celebrate one of Dixie's favorite cocktails.
A classic mint julep is made with a mint leaf, bourbon, sugar and water. The drink is most associated with the American South where bourbon was invented in 1789 by Baptist preacher Elijah Craig, who first thought of putting aged corn whiskey in a charred oak barrel.
Here are some little-known facts about the mint julep shared by National Day Calendar.
RELATED: The Scoop: What exactly is the difference between Irish whiskey, Scotch and bourbon?
ADVERTISEMENT
- In the South, some bartenders prefer to use spearmint in the drink.
- The term “julep” is defined as a sweet flavored drink made from a sugar syrup, sometimes containing alcohol or medication.
- During the 19th century, Americans also enjoyed a gin-based julep.
- Each year almost 120,000 mint juleps are served at Churchill Downs over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby .
- In May 2008, Churchill Downs unveiled the world’s largest mint julep glass that was 6 feet tall.
RELATED: The Scoop: Over the top Bloody Marys
Other holidays this week
- Monday, May 27: Grape Popsicle Day
- Tuesday, May 28: Hamburger Day
- Wednesday, May 29: Senior Health and Fitness Day
- Thursday, May 30: Water a Flower Day
- Friday, May 31: Leave the Office Early Day (yay!)
- Saturday, June 1: Olive Day
- Sunday, June 2: Rocky Road Day
