We here at Sprudge are big fans of Either/Or, a quality coffee bar in Portland, Oregon’s sleepy Sellwood neighborhood. In addition to serving a classic coffee menu, the folks at Either/Or run a monthly rotating signature drink special, featuring past drinks like a Cascara Negroni and a Coffee Old Fashioned. It’s a program that keeps us coming back for more.
For May 2015, they’re offering a Coffee Mint Julep made from cold brew Ethiopia Guji, roasted by Roseline Coffee right here in Portland. The Coffee Mint Julep was created to celebrate Derby Day, during which Either/Or staff donned bow-ties and fancy hats. The drink combines the cold brew with a house-made mint syrup and is served in a stainless steel julep cup, garnished with a giant sprig of mint. The Guji cold brew is distinctly chocolatey, and the drink is an exercise in balance. It’s perfectly refreshing.
“It tastes like coffee mint chocolate chip ice cream,” says Either/Or barista Julie Austin. And you know what? It really does. But don’t take my word for it. Here’s how to make your own version of the Coffee Mint Julep:
Ice crushed with a mallet
Minted simple syrup to taste
Fresh mint sprig
1. Place coarsely crushed ice in a stainless steel julep vessel (only handle the tops and bottom to achieve that classic julep frost on the cup).
2. Add four ounces of cold brew and a splash of mint simple syrup.
3. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
4. Sip and enjoy thusly.
The folks at Either/Or make their juleps en masse; the recipe you see above is merely an approximation created by Sprudge Labs. For exact amounts and for Either/Or’s exclusive minted simple syrup recipe, I recommend visiting them the next time you’re in Portland! And be sure to try one of the sodas too. They make really good sodas.
Zachary Carlsen is a Sprudge.com co-founder and editor. Read more ZC on Sprudge.
