New Orleans' Best Cocktails: The Mint Julep

[@zarbon8]

This video is the strangest combination of simplistic and epic there ever was. I came here to learn how to make a drink and got a spiritual experience instead.

[@themeatnpotatoes]

For real!

[@max917]

Chris McMillian is not only a mixolgist, he's an artist, history teacher, artisan, storyteller and legend. He makes drinks proper.

[@flips220]

Holy shit, this dude owns.

[@bearj.4363]

Then comes the zenith of man’s pleasure. Then comes the julep - the mint julep. Who has not tasted one has lived in vain. The honey of Hymettus brought no such solace to the soul; the nectar of the Gods is tame beside it. It is the very dream of drinks, the vision of sweet quaffings. The Bourbon and the mint are lovers. In the same land they live, on the same food they are fostered. The mint dips infant leaf into the same stream that makes The Bourbon what it is. The corn grows in the level lands through which small streams meander. By the brook-side the mint grows. As the little wavelets pass, they glide up to kiss the feet of the growing mint, and the mint bends to salute them. Gracious and kind it is, living only for the sake of others. Like a woman’s heart it gives its sweetest aroma when bruised. Among the first to greet the spring, it comes. Beside gurgling brooks that make music in the fields, it lives and thrives. When the bluegrass begins to shoot its gentle sprays towards the sun, mint comes, and its sweetest soul drinks at the crystal brook. It is virgin then. But soon it must be married to old Bourbon. His great heart, his warmth of temperament, and that affinity which no one understands, demands the wedding. How shall it be? Take from the cold spring some water, pure as angels are; mix it with sugar till it seems like oil. Then take a glass and crush your mint within it with a spoon - crush it around the borders of the glass and leave no place untouched. Then throw the mint away - it is the sacrifice. Fill with cracked ice the glass; pour in the quantity of Bourbon which you want. It trickles slowly through the ice. Let it have time to cool, then pour your sugared water over it. No spoon is needed; no stirring allowed- just let it stand a moment. Then around the brim place sprigs of mint, so that the one who drinks may find the taste and odor at one draft. Then when it is made, sip it slowly. August suns are shining, the breath of the south wind is upon you. It is fragrant cold and sweet - it is seductive. No maidens kiss is tenderer or more refreshing, no maidens touch could be more passionate. Sip it and dream-it is a dream itself. No other land can give you so much sweet solace for your cares; no other liquor soothes you in melancholy days. Sip it and say there is no solace for the soul, no tonic for the body like old Bourbon whiskey. - Joshua Soule Smith

[@YoshiEaterX]

Bear J. Thank you, I was mesmerised out of nowhere once he started story time.

[@kevins4222]

Damn, that was impressive...I can BARELY get my bartender to mix me a decent drink let alone memorize that.

[@Socialghostboy]

Beautifully Written what a pleasure to read it. Thank you for posting.

[@rattlesnakechick4085]

Chis is one of the finis Gentleman bartenders I've ever had the pleasure to know

[@MJ-pk4gh]

You missed a part 😯

[@Buddhastic]

I had the pleasure of going to his bar with a few friends on a slow Thursday. We were the only customers (beside one group that came in for one round of drinks and left) and ended up hanging out at the bar with him for well over 2 hours talking to him. We let him decide what to make us and everything was fantastic. Chris' knowledge of New Orleans and cocktail history is encyclopedic, and he's truly a genuinely nice and engaging person. Everybody should experience that at least once in life.

[@keithmarszalek]

Chris McMillian has opened “Revel Café & Bar,” located at 133 N. Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans. Chris encourages you to come visit him and hear these stories first hand.

[@kingdomleaf]

+Keith Marszalek I went to Revel, and what a treat it was. Certainly worth it if you're in New Orleans for any reason, and, in my view, it's even worthy of a special trip to the city.

[@eezee416]

I visited it three times this past June while on a vacation to NOLA. Chris and his wife are both class acts and the Revel is wonderful. In addition to the drinks there is also great food!!

[@johng5710]

I'm from Chicago and traveled to NO for vacation 6/12/17-6/15/17. Just visited Chris at Revel the other night. I had him make me a Sazerac, an Old Fashioned, a Mint Julep, and a Ramos Gin Fizz. I asked him if I could take a picture with him because my brother-in-law and I are fans of him and these videos. He graciously let me behind the bar and hold his mallet while we had our picture taken by my girlfriend. One of the highlights of my life...thank you Chris!

[@donsnnk]

Thank you. Definitely going to visit when I'm there

[@mosipd]

This guy belongs on TV, he's got that personality that makes you want to listen to what he's got to say. I wish I lived close to Louisiana so I could stop by his new restaurant and order this classic cocktail.

[@francisd2386]

That barman has class. I need a julep now.

[@markmakingmusic]

I love coming back to this video every few years or so just to brush up on my julep recipe.

[@Sulkanator]

A man among men. A craftsman. An enthusiast. Cheers, Mr. McMillian.

[@PietroRumenta]

This man's passion is spellbinding. A great deal of respect!

[@tiffsaver]

I don't know which I liked more, the drink or the poetry!! Thanks for the brief journey :-)

[@tscott21970]

tiffsaver Agreed.

[@bootblacking]

Man I love watching the best of the best bartenders at work. Whether verbose or silent, it's so satisfying.

[@jarrodcluck]

This is one of the best videos I have ever seen. Thank you for the introduction to Chris McMillian.

[@thedaletree]

this guy is 100% pure unadulterated class. congratulations on being a badass.

[@TaniaEstes]

Amazing. Thank you for that. I'm years late to watch, but better now than never.

[@sator_project]

This still might be my favorite youtube video

[@radbcc]

I am stunned, absolutely stunned.... The Rtiz will miss him and wherever he ends up will embrace him...

[@ThePdxster]

radbcc He is currently working as the head bartender at the Kingfish in New Orleans.

[@radbcc]

Thanks

[@VaneGator]

Chris, from one McMillan to another, I salute you. This video is absolutely EPIC!!!!

[@weeknightingale]

Absolutely marvelous! What a celebration by a true professional. What class! Cheers! Love the history and the poem! Thanks you, Sir Chris!

[@kernell32bcn]

Holy shit! When he finished I was literally standing up, clapping slowly and saying "Bravo!"

[@Swegen]

I'm speechless. The lyrics, the words, the voice and obviously his love for the drink. It is stunning. Had I been sitting there and he had delivered that presentation, I would truly have had tears in my eyes! If anyone knows of his current whereabouts, then please tell!

[@knoxvilletrout]

Thank you for that! Artists and craftsmen make this world so incredible.

[@Humpahna]

I was mesmerized...as if time stood still! How very beautiful! Bartending and poetry...I would never have believed the two could go together so well! Thanks!

[@glenjones7597]

I could set and listen to Chris tell these stories while sipping on my drink, love this

[@davidd9707]

What a treat it would be to be served by you. I am entranced by your words and class. You are a treasure to be savored.

[@jmallett6081]

This man explained a mint julep like we make in Kentucky, the recipe while simple gets its character on the preparation and love. Fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, Kentucky bourbon and ice. Ice crushed is best so the water melds beautifully into the drink that celebrates the Kentucky Derby in May, and it is the Southern go to drink in the spring and summer. Mint is cooling and refreshing. Living in Kentucky, we have many unsurpassed bourbon distilleries. The secret to good bourbon is the water with the natural minerals in the area. I grow my own mint, so I get it fresh from the garden. Cheers!

[@Username47948]

I don't even drink. this was great

[@whistlingdust]

You've made my day Chris, and brought a tear to my eye.

[@tobodod]

Thank-you so much Chris. Splendid artistry.

[@HGUnderway]

I love it when I come across a bartender who knows not only how to make a good drink, but why what he's doing is making it good. The science of it is pretty fascinating. Watching this video was pure magic.

[@killacam206ickxxx]

Holy shit did that really just happen?

[@inplurals]

I went to Kingfish last month in Nola and ordered a Julep from Chris. It was excellent.

[@casselskeep]

Chris and these videos got me obsessed with cocktails in 2008. Brilliant stuff.

[@jumpoffa5011]

That is what I call a classy presentation and a delicious drink. My mouth is just watering for a small taste of this nectar of the God's.

[@mpcostello1985]

this guy is an inspiration to all bartenders...the classics done to perfection

[@nicolasadileonardo]

I first saw this video sixteen years ago and it’s still awesome today.

[@RachelWitus]

i already loved nola. now drinking a cocktail prepared by Chris McMillian is going on my bucket list.

[@whistlingdust]

I should also say I've enjoyed these lessons over the last few months. I'm sorry to see them come to an end. Good luck to you on your future endeavors.

[@mutaned0]

me and some friends learned the mint Julep and applied it in bars in Argentina almost 10 years ago from this video, thousands had one thanks to him. Chris is an international legend. I hope he is doing well, and having a Mint Julep, just like i am

[@lamonight]

kay, after the story, I thnk Chris is the most classic bartender I have seen! Great Work. Out of the way people! Professional coming through. Nice Work.

[@pmfernandez]

WOW. I was just looking for a cocktail recipe, not an emotional experience. That was amazing! Everything was perfect, the poem, the voice, the ingredients, and the actual building of the drink. Absolutely brilliant.

[@doctorx0079]

Wow. I was transported.

[@mygoatisdead]

I'm straight, but I must say, this man has transfixed me in his craft, such that I'm practically swooning over his magnificent display.

[@intheplace2be]

wow I'm absolutely lost for words. This guys is amazing. I could not think of anything that would make me enjoy this drink any more than what Chris has achieved with this video. There's definitely an art to making a good drink and Chris has managed to combine this art with history and great poetry. I second the guy who said best video on KZbin.

[@windsorianexperience7368]

this is how Life should be

[@vRoja]

My hat's off to this gentleman. What a great video.

[@romrb2]

This guy is amazing. He needs to be on TV or something. More recitals!!

[@huey2283]

WOW!!! I would love to be sitting at that bar when that drink was made, that was beautiful. I am envious of that mans knowledge and presence.

[@84kjk]

Hope this gentleman is still doing his thing. Amazing.

[@sallycomstock6611]

Chris is the epitome of what a great bartender should be but that we rarely see. If I ever find my way to New Orleans again I will be looking you up. It would be a privilege to meet you and sit a spell.

[@josestark4329]

This guy is the best when it comes to southern cocktails.

[@lddtyrone]

Thank you for that beautiful poetry

[@skyrissian]

I've been experimenting with mixing various versions of the mint julep for years. I think I've finally found the quintessential version with Mr. McMillian's take on this all time classic of a cocktail.

[@chris999999999999]

Holy crap! I wasn't expecting the epic poetry in the last 90 seconds. Awesome-est bartender ever, you really show the craft in making drinks. Kudos!

[@CodeyHolland]

That man, is a bartender. I could sip on my drink of choice, and listen to his words. That's the kind of bar i would enjoy.

[@butopiatoo]

Gosh Chris ROCKS!!! I love these videos!!!

[@christinecamley]

Spectacular bartender. I am so sorry this is his last segment. Chris is a gentleman and a very classy person. What a nice human being.

[@scotchrks]

This is the best video of making a mint julep I've seen on KZbin

[@teflonmagnet]

chris, that was beautiful; you nearly brought a tear to my eye with that recitation. you gotta get yourself a show.

[@TheSeph1984]

I live in Los Angeles but from Kentucky. This video made me so proud of my origin.

[@WackkArnoldd]

Today is the day when a KZbin video changed my outlook on a significant aspect of my life. I saw someone post on one of Chris's other videos that most bartenders seem like "douches in tight t-shirts." I'm not proud to say it, but essentially I'm one of those. I fantasize about the days of apprenticeship. To train and hone this craft under a man like Chris McMillian would be the pinnacle of any bartender's experience.

[@elcalo86]

this man is a scholar, a gentleman and an artist....to say the least

[@goonersf]

Chris is a genuine gentleman, expert of his trade.

[@knightrider0071987]

i have to try this great poetry to lost for words awesome video

[@mist13232]

I had a Mint Julep made by Chris tonight and it was everything I could hope for! Thanks Chris!

[@pntm914]

I might just cry. Let's say, for a second, it was just showmanship, and that you could have prepared the drink in half the time. That would have been a waste. The care you took, even with the final garnish of mint leaf, clapping its fragrance out into the world, it was all poetry. I am going to be so happy when summer rolls in, and I can fully enjoy this.

[@mjwings3]

Fantastic! What a presentation!

[@rapopescu]

What a performance! Fantastic. Tip of the hat to you, sir!

[@M3H8014]

Had an original mint with a friend of my brother while in Lexington, blew my mind. So good, so refreshing, and if you're not careful pretty strong. Cheers Chris.

[@malthus101]

Thanks Chris, that was just what I needed to hear. I'm off to make my first Julep right now. Good luck with everything...

[@andydoig2130]

Fantastic drink recipes and a voice to present them that is the envy of scriptwriters ever. Walking into the library lounge to see this guy and I would be like Sam Spade. Thanks to Chris and his producer for this video series ]

[@TheWetCigarette]

It was at the end of this when I was deep in day dream, lost in this mans words with the picture he painted. Truly mesmerized by the way he spoke of the drink, when my wife asked if I read something my neighbor posted on Facebook. Ugh, I'll have to watch again later...

[@MattLiefAnderson]

Chris McMillian: Bartender Teacher Gentleman Poet

[@cheetahlip]

I’m not sure what I just watched and listened to, but dear lord I am a better man for it. ❤

[@filmchild78]

So fantastic, I absolutely love watching a master work! Thanks!

[@butopiatoo]

WOW! this guy is freakng incredible. What an artist, what a soul,

[@rattlesnakechick4085]

Sooooo Eloquently spoken....Bravo I miss those wonderful evening sitting across the bar...listening watching absorbing from My personal all time favorite mixologist...anywhere.... I hope you find well my friend accolades to your family.... I always speak highly of you... that bar was your stage... where are you now??? we all want to know...(dont we...?) I'm in Austin...please send contact..I have someone...your like to meet

[@adambromley6972]

This the best bartender I’ve ever come across by a long shot

[@lcspies]

All class!! Great video and tribute to the Mint Julep!

[@peacebwithu97]

This actually made me cry. I can't wait until the day comes when I get to have a julep at the Derby someday.

[@Xav911]

never wanted a drink more than this one. Respect.

[@franksantos3418]

In 2004 I went to New Orleans and my first stop was The Ritz Carlton to enjoy a mint julep from Chris. My $250 (for 1) bar bill was nothing compared to the history lesson I received. This man is America’s best bartender and it’s NOT close. Watch his video’s you will learn the classic way to make these cocktails. No trendy crap here or tons of large cut fruit in drinks. Just pure class, enjoy and cheers 🥃

[@pzeud0nym]

I don't drink, sorry, but if I did, I would be honored to be served by this gentleman. Four people here have not one iota of class, but fortunately, Chris has more than enough to spare.

[@tigersaint124]

Amazing. Simply Amazing.

[@1280almas]

That's pretty sad. Thanks a lot for your lessons Chris.

[@Weshopwizard]

Best cocktail video ever!!!

[@mattl9318]

Wow. I wish I would've had the pleasure to order a drink from him on a slow evening there. He embodies the mythical idea of what I imagine a bartender used to be. Talk about an experience. I'd say its safe to say that lots of people had the best drink they ever had at that bar. Amazing. Thanks Chris.

[@lmm9607]

such a great storyteller. nice. old school bartender. you don't get those much anymore.

[@GuitarmanST]

Praise from the Promised land!!!! Great GREAT video

[@mnmz2]

Fabulous! Thank you for sharing this.

[@Vikkar1]

Amazing performance Chris.

[@elborrego4403]

we need more guys like him soo much passion

[@fallingzeppelin69]

dude that was awesome. i just keep watching it

[@jamief7079]

Wow. That was amazing.

[@themikedavidsmokeshow4815]

And a single, manly tear rolls down one cheek, as I toast my ancestors.

[@bencowie3141]

Great videos, I wish I only watched them sooner

[@SgtTeddybear66]

This was my first drink for my 21's birthday. Proud of that. ;)

[@SkepticalZombie]

Absolutely incredible. It's 10:17 PM and i am going out into my backyard garden with a flashlight to fetch me a little bit of mint for an evening mint juelp.

[@wattatta47]

holy moly. he is very poetic!

[@lukieh]

Wow... what a performance!