It is traditional to see James Bond enjoying local food and drinks at the various destinations of his missions. Mojito in Cuba, Ouzo in Greece and of course the Mint Julep in Kentucky. 
In “Goldfinger” Bond is offered one by the title villain sitting on the porch of his Kentucky horse ranch and stud.
“Yes, thanks. Sour mash, but not too sweet, please”, Bond tells the servant.
Bond here is rather particular, especially when it comes to the ‘sour mash’-bit as he is ordering a Mint Julep with sour mash whisky, i e Bourbon or Tennessee whisky, which is in fact the custom spirit for the Mint Julep.
Sure, many decades before Mint Juleps were served with other spirits like brandy or gin but in the mid 60’s it was all about the bourbon as well as now. The drink seems to have been around since the 18th century, mind you.
Since 1938 the Mint Julep is the signature drink of the horse race event, the Kentucky Derby. During the two days of the derby about 100 000 Mint Juleps are served at the Churchill Downs racetrack.
According to the International Bartenders Association the recipe for the Mint Julep longdrink is:
•6 cl Bourbon whiskey
•4 fresh mint sprigs
•1 teaspoon powdered sugar
•2 teaspoons water
In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar and water.
Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is frost.
Garnish with a mint spring.
More on Bond and the Mint Julep, here on Drink 007.com
007 Under the Mango Tree 
Posted on January 5, 2013
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