A sweet drink, especially one made with bourbon whiskey, sugar, and mint, served over crushed ice. The mint julep is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby.
From Old French julep, which came from Medieval Latin julapium, derived from Arabic جُلَاب (julāb) or Persian گلاب (golāb), meaning 'rose water'. The original Arabic/Persian term referred to a medicinal syrup made with rose petals and water. The word entered English in the 14th century initially as a medical term, but evolved to mean any sweet, flavored drink.
The mint julep started as medieval medicine! Arabic and Persian physicians made 'julāb' (rose water syrup) as a remedy for various ailments, and this healing drink evolved over centuries into the bourbon-based cocktail that's now the signature drink of horse racing. From pharmacy to Derby - what a journey!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.