Classic Mint Julep

Kentucky Derby is celebrated the first Saturday in May with visitors from around the world gathering at the race track and all over Louisville. As "My Old Kentucky Home" plays before the race, julep cups are raised high, bringing tears to many eyes. To Kentuckians, a mint julep is more than a drink; it's a cup of emotion, full of tradition.

The classic version is served in silver julep cups, just like ours, which was the inspiration and backbone behind our entire business concept. Traditionally, the julep cups are filled to the rim with a refreshing concoction of the finest bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint, and crushed ice. Once your mint julep scented candle has finished burning, refer to our candle guide here for how to clean out the wax and make yourself the most well-known racing cocktail in history!

Classic Mint Julep Recipe

• Fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon Mint Simple Syrup
• Crushed ice
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) bourbon
• 1 fresh mint sprig

Ashley McKinney, owner of Shining Light Photography, stopped by and we had a little photo shoot making the iconic cocktail from our candle julep cups. Scroll down and check it out!

All photo credit: Shining Light Photography

Keeneland Breeze

Anyone who has been to Keeneland's spring or fall meet is sure to have partaken in Keeneland's signature cocktail, the Keeneland Breeze, which inspired us to recreate the magical orange cocktail in a candle. The Keeneland Breeze is a sweet, citrusy and light cocktail, and it is served in all the racetrack’s bars and dining rooms. Once your candle is out of wax, remake the cocktail in your julep cup with the official Makers Mark recipe below!

Ingredients
Maker’s Mark bourbon
Orange liqueur
Ginger ale
Fresh orange juice
Orange slice

Fill a highball glass about two third of the way with ice, and pour in one part of Maker’s. Then add a splash of orange liqueur, a dash of fresh orange juice, and top off with ginger ale. Use an orange slice to garnish.

Click here to shop the Keeneland Breeze candle!

Papa's Honey Apple Cider Hot Toddy

Remember that time your grandpa told you to take swig of whiskey if your throat ever hurt? Turns out he was right. Not only is it delicious, but its also a great decongestant.

For decades people have used the hot toddy as a natural remedy for easing all those aches and pains that are associated with the common cold, and for the most part, it was just assumed that it was one of those natural remedies, like chicken soup, that works because your brain thinks it works, not because there is actual science behind it. But as it turns out, a hot toddy is actually pretty great, from a scientific perspective, at soothing your cold.

Today, we're turning it up a notch and adding some apple cider and honey whiskey (hello, winter cocktail!) and calling it a day. Extra brownie points for those that drink it out of their mint julep cups!

Ingredients:

• 10 oz apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 8 whole cloves
• 1 1/2 Tbsp honey
• 4 oz honey whiskey, like American Honey
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Directions:

1. In a saucepot, combine apple cider, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and cover with a lid.  Allow spices to steep for 10-15 minutes.  Strain spices.  Stir in honey to dissolve.  Add whiskey and lemon juice.  Stir to combine.  Add more honey according to taste, if desired.
2. Serve with sliced apples, sliced lemons, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

The Southern Girls' Gift Guide 2015

Welcome to the blog of Julep Candle Co! To kick things off, we've put together a Southern Girls' Gift Guide to help you find the perfect gift for your girlfriend, wife, daughter, BFF, mom, or next door neighbor! Without further adieu....

1. Totes Y'all Bag, Draper James - $165

2. Monogram Stationary, Sugar Paper - $30

3. Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream - $20

4. Mint Julep Candle, Julep Candle Co. - $20

5. Floral iPhone 6 case, Rifle Paper Co. - $36

6. Pineapple Dish, Hattan Home - $16

7. Monogram Tree Ornament, Etsy - $12

8. Pappy's Handmade Bourbon Balls, Pappy & Co. - $26

9. Bourbon and Boweties Pearl Bracelet, Country Club Prep - $34

10. Drink Me Wine Tote, Kate Spade - $20