Why Are Mint Juleps Served in Silver Cups?

Traditionally, mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups, and held only by the bottom and top edges of the cup. This allows frost to form on the outside of the cup. Traditional hand placement may have arisen as a way to reduce the heat transferred from the hand to the silver or pewter cup.

Who drank Mint Juleps?

Though some say the drink was invented by slaves working the cotton fields outside of Vicksburg, Mississippi, the version of the julep we know today probably originated in Persia, where people mixed syrup with mint or rose water. The mint julep has been a Southern tradition since at least the early 19th century.

Why does mint julep have a silver cup?

Voila, a mint julep! A silver cup is still used now as it was back in the early 1800s because it is the silver that allows ice to form on the outside of the cup. The proper etiquette for drinking a mint julep is to hold the cup by either the band on the base or top lip so that your hand does not warm the cup.