New Orleans' Best Cocktails: The Mint Julep

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  • @zarbon8
    @zarbon8 10 ปีที่แล้ว +157

    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.

  • @flips220
    @flips220 10 ปีที่แล้ว +108

    Holy shit, this dude owns.

  • @max917
    @max917 9 ปีที่แล้ว +54

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

  • @keithmarszalek
    @keithmarszalek  8 ปีที่แล้ว +119

    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
      @kingdomleaf 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      +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
      @eezee416 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      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
      @johng5710 7 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      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
      @donsnnk 5 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @Buddhastic
    @Buddhastic 11 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    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.

  • @bearj.4363
    @bearj.4363 10 ปีที่แล้ว +177

    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
      @YoshiEaterX 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

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

    • @kevins4222
      @kevins4222 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

    • @Socialghostboy
      @Socialghostboy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @rattlesnakechick4085
      @rattlesnakechick4085 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @MJ-pk4gh
      @MJ-pk4gh 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You missed a part 😯

  • @mosipd
    @mosipd 7 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    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.

  • @Sulkanator
    @Sulkanator 10 ปีที่แล้ว +18

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

  • @markmakingmusic
    @markmakingmusic 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @francisd2386
    @francisd2386 8 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    That barman has class. I need a julep now.

  • @thedaletree
    @thedaletree 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @PietroRumenta
    @PietroRumenta 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

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

  • @tiffsaver
    @tiffsaver 9 ปีที่แล้ว +32

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

    • @tscott21970
      @tscott21970 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      tiffsaver Agreed.

  • @jarrodcluck
    @jarrodcluck 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @TaniaEstes
    @TaniaEstes 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @kernell32bcn
    @kernell32bcn 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @Swegen
    @Swegen 14 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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!

  • @radbcc
    @radbcc 9 ปีที่แล้ว +13

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

    • @ThePdxster
      @ThePdxster 9 ปีที่แล้ว +7

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

    • @radbcc
      @radbcc 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks

  • @sator_project
    @sator_project 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This still might be my favorite youtube video

  • @doctorx0079
    @doctorx0079 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Wow. I was transported.

  • @jmallett6081
    @jmallett6081 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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!

  • @mygoatisdead
    @mygoatisdead 14 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @goonersf
    @goonersf 15 ปีที่แล้ว

    Chris is a genuine gentleman, expert of his trade.

  • @VaneGator
    @VaneGator 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @nicolasadileonardo
    @nicolasadileonardo 2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @CodeyHolland
    @CodeyHolland 15 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @Username47948
    @Username47948 8 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I don't even drink. this was great

  • @pntm914
    @pntm914 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @scotchrks
    @scotchrks 14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the best video of making a mint julep I've seen on TH-cam

  • @WackkArnoldd
    @WackkArnoldd 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    Today is the day when a TH-cam 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.

  • @TheSeph1984
    @TheSeph1984 11 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @penciltowner
    @penciltowner 13 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @84kjk
    @84kjk 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hope this gentleman is still doing his thing. Amazing.

  • @lamonight
    @lamonight 14 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @killacam206ickxxx
    @killacam206ickxxx 10 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    Holy shit did that really just happen?

  • @butopiatoo
    @butopiatoo 12 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @weeknightingale
    @weeknightingale 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @vRoja
    @vRoja 13 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @sallycomstock6611
    @sallycomstock6611 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @HGUnderway
    @HGUnderway 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @skyrissian
    @skyrissian 16 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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.

  • @mpcostello1985
    @mpcostello1985 16 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @cheetahlip
    @cheetahlip ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @No_Solutions
    @No_Solutions 9 ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

  • @casselskeep
    @casselskeep 7 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @romrb2
    @romrb2 12 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @glenjones7597
    @glenjones7597 7 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @adambromley6972
    @adambromley6972 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @MattLiefAnderson
    @MattLiefAnderson 10 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Chris McMillian: Bartender Teacher Gentleman Poet

  • @pzeud0nym
    @pzeud0nym 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @davidd9707
    @davidd9707 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @Humpahna
    @Humpahna 14 ปีที่แล้ว

    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!

  • @knoxvilletrout
    @knoxvilletrout 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @whistlingdust
    @whistlingdust 16 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @filmchild78
    @filmchild78 8 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @tobodod
    @tobodod 15 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank-you so much Chris. Splendid artistry.

  • @josestark4329
    @josestark4329 6 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @lddtyrone
    @lddtyrone 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for that beautiful poetry

  • @Xav911
    @Xav911 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    never wanted a drink more than this one. Respect.

  • @christinecamley
    @christinecamley 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @mutaned0
    @mutaned0 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    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

  • @intheplace2be
    @intheplace2be 15 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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 TH-cam.

  • @pmfernandez
    @pmfernandez 14 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @gardenvarietypenis
    @gardenvarietypenis 15 ปีที่แล้ว

    beautiful recitation, chris!
    this is an instant "favorite".

  • @wattatta47
    @wattatta47 15 ปีที่แล้ว

    holy moly. he is very poetic!

  • @butopiatoo
    @butopiatoo 5 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @jumpoffa5011
    @jumpoffa5011 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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.

  • @mjwings3
    @mjwings3 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic! What a presentation!

  • @OoohhForSure
    @OoohhForSure 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Need a bartender like this in PHX, AZ

  • @teflonmagnet
    @teflonmagnet 15 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @lukieh
    @lukieh 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow... what a performance!

  • @elcalo86
    @elcalo86 11 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @mnmz2
    @mnmz2 15 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fabulous! Thank you for sharing this.

  • @themikedavidsmokeshow4815
    @themikedavidsmokeshow4815 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @lmm9607
    @lmm9607 15 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @tigersaint124
    @tigersaint124 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing. Simply Amazing.

  • @thatdamnsamsquanch
    @thatdamnsamsquanch 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh my....I'm speachless

  • @knightrider0071987
    @knightrider0071987 15 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @TheWetCigarette
    @TheWetCigarette 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    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...

  • @huey2283
    @huey2283 15 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @Weshopwizard
    @Weshopwizard 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Best cocktail video ever!!!

  • @jamief7079
    @jamief7079 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow. That was amazing.

  • @GunnGuardian
    @GunnGuardian 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    You sir.... are awesome

  • @whistlingdust
    @whistlingdust 16 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @asilentknight1593
    @asilentknight1593 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Has he ever thought of doing radio/voice acting? That was 8 minutes of magic; I'm transfixed, hypnotized...

  • @mist13232
    @mist13232 13 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @lcspies
    @lcspies 13 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @eamst04
    @eamst04 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    Omg how amazing is this guy

  • @chris999999999999
    @chris999999999999 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    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!

  • @rapopescu
    @rapopescu 11 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @scottbrooks2255
    @scottbrooks2255 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was beautiful!! 🥃🥃

  • @shermanfleming
    @shermanfleming 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sweet. Thank you

  • @bengordon2373
    @bengordon2373 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Best. Bartender. Ever.

  • @1280almas
    @1280almas 16 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @ronito6
    @ronito6 16 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks so much for this!

  • @mygoatisdead
    @mygoatisdead 14 ปีที่แล้ว

    Anybody else notice that Chris doesn't mess around with twirling and tossing stuff in the air? He doesn't need tricks like some bartenders, he's magic without bartender illusions. In fact, I truly believe that any fancy glass tosses, and other tricks would demean his presentation. Hell he doesn't have to show off by that "1, 2, 3" second pour either. He doesn't need to, and he's one of THE very few bartenders that don't need to.

  • @M3H8014
    @M3H8014 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @the0guilty0ones
    @the0guilty0ones 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just want to BE this guy when I grow up. Seriously dude, rock on.

  • @franksantos3418
    @franksantos3418 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    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 🥃

  • @andydoig2130
    @andydoig2130 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    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
    ]