New Orleans' Best Cocktails: The Mint Julep

[freeradicals]

Oh I'm terribly sorry - I actually said "Men's Toilet".

[greenteen85]

so it's like a booze snow cone

[Susann03091982]

Chuck Norris ain't got nothing on this guy......what a legend !

[SalamanderTalent]

best cocktail vids on youtube

[snap4198]

WOW!!! 

[UltimateBondGirl]

This is absolutely wonderful. Quick question: How would I drink this? With a straw or straight from the cup?

[robertpicklesnickle]

Jesus fucking christ....need to get my ass to NO and have a proper julep...

[SlinkyMischief]

Chris McMillian, going out in style.

[senditd]

guys a freakin' poet

[crewe99]

If you told me that story when I ordered the drink you would be getting one hell of a tip my friend.

[butopiatoo]

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

[penciltowner]

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

[BROOKLYNBOUNDTRA1916]

@penciltowner

I think he retired after this, sadly. 

[LordJummy]

uhhh, and ahhh, uhhh, and uhhh, which uhhhh ahhh

[lcspies]

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

[ncyankee101]

To the 7 people who clicked "dislike" - please go watch videos on the proper way to put a lime wedge in a Corona and leave these ones to the adults.

[laurems1]

anyone know where he got the awesome mallet ? I've been looking for over a year with no luck.

[LukeSniper]

Wonderfully thorough and informative video, with lots of interesting historical information. But the bartender, as educated as he is, stumbles over his words quite a bit, and the overall production value seems low.

This video would have greatly benefited from giving Chris a microphone and a closer view during the mixing of the drink.

[weeknightingale]

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

[the0guilty0ones]

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

[iKaldi]

He is everything a bartender should be, a poet and a teacher. He really brings respect to the profession and honor to the art to the cocktail. Makes me want to move back to NO.

[DrTatterdemalion]

This guy talks the way Tom Waits sings.

[Frouza]

Man this guy is awesome..

[presidentcletus]

so do we call him chrillian?

[elC0mmen]

Transcript please!

[gsdsl]

A fine example of True American Culture & Class.Lets take this as a lesson and bring it back to the olden days and more men like him our country be will be up and running in no time.

[bigpoppabball]

I've been looking around online for a good mint julep recipe. I don't need to look any further...

[sorchaxin]

what a smooth motherfucking poet

[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...

[lhipsher]

Hmmm, I always thought this was a Kentucky drink

[rinokeros78]

i see 8 bartenders and 656 customers

[rhinonose]

if this guy was my bartender i'd be broke

[vemvaree]

I would much like to see this in higher quality....Is there any way to make that possible? Thanks :)

[Driftwoodfly]

I hope I never come across this guy in a bar because I will fell obligated to tip him at least 500% due to his technique and knowledge.

[Slek70Lock]

This guy needs to be in movies.

[mist13232]

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

[CDMVette]

I would be willing to throw my life away and become a full-time alcoholic... provided this guy was my bartender.

[rinokeros78]

this dude talks about spirits , n class , n tradition , while he uses a HAMMER to brake ice , while mint is fallin outta his hands .....

[tjfry]

@rinokeros78

If you were listening to what he was reciting, it states that the mint is discarded as a sacrifice.

So I don't believe leaving much mint in the cup is his highest priority. It's more important that he releases the essential oils and spreads them all along the inside walls of the cup.

I'm curious whether he leaves any in the bottom at all.

[rinokeros78]

@tjfry ok lets do that pickin our noses then

[Jenartik]

what a fuckin amateur. He forgot the limes and the sprite

[zews1]

@Jenartik

Hey moron, a Mint Julep does not have lime and sprite in it.

[BEARCRAB]

@zews1

Pretty sure he was joking. I found this video because it was in the related tab of a woman butchering this drink with excessive muddling, sprite, limes and lime juice, the wrong glass, etc.

[pntm]

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.

[thekrakenism]

this is the worst video ever.... it was the day where Mr. McMillian went :(

Mr. McMillian please don't go, what will I do without you??? I hate that these cocktails are limited

and I hate the other endless cheap cocktail videos by smartass know-it-all bartenders:(

I loved your mint julep... in fact all of the others you made

please come back:(

somebody tell him to come back

Lmao! that looked like a cheap-ass poem I just wrote xD

[cowfishbill]

I may have shed a tear to that. Not that I'd admit it in public.

[twobitmage]

@cowfishbill you just did, bro

[ClickClackClickClack]

Got goosebumps...

[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!

[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.

[farticus66]

i take my hat off to you sir,well done

[SteampunkPagan]

I never knew a Mint julep could be so romantic

[tbwash]

@TenaciousTomato SomethingAwfuldotcom

[TenaciousTomato]

@tbwash wut about it

[tbwash]

@TenaciousTomato i post there!

[mrmazoku]

I don't drink often, but I'd be a stone cold alcoholic if this guy was my bartender. I love the history/science talk :3.

[OddlyIncredible]

Well, crap, now I want a mint julep, and I don't drink!

Someone needs to find this guy and show him the comments on this video.

[vRoja]

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

[CharlieKdiary]

This is what i'm talking about. Somebody who enjoys and loves their trade. It's also good to see a video about an alcoholic drink that isn't about getting pissed and picking up chicks.

[RiseofMarine]

holy shit :O

[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.

[Drmofothegreat]

everyone knows americas gift to the world of mixed drinks in the manhattan.

manhattan>mint julep

[IrenicMirror]

4 people will never know how to make a good Julep

[bettyhlo]

Not only is he one hell of a bartender, the man is a poet and I would love to have the honor of sitting at his bar one day.

[zews1]

@bettyhlo

I sat at his bar in New Orleans, and he did the same thing for me and my wife as he did in this video.

[thedaletree]

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

[fuegofreak]

@thedaletree the most interesting man in the world does NOT drink Dos Equis. The most interesting man in the world is this guy.

[Nucleozoid]

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 maiden's kiss as tender or more refreshing --- No maiden’s touch could be more passionate. Sip it and dream, it is a dream itself. No other land can give so sweet a solace for your cares; no other liquor soothes you so in melancholy days. Sip it and say there is no solace for the soul, no tonic for the body like Old Bourbon whiskey.

[GunnGuardian]

You sir.... are awesome

[dappstarr]

This guy is amazing. he knows a LOT about his trade. he has a lot of passion and wants to share his knowledge. :)

[WackkArnoldd]

Today is the day when a YouTube 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.

[pricey151]

I cried :(

[lukieh]

Wow... what a performance!

[Thoughtland]

Do you work in The Overlook Hotel?

Al work and no play makes...

[GT0wned1]

@Thoughtland thouhgt the same thing when i saw his first video

[wedacose]

@mackawack12346 This is one of the best bartenders I've seen on youtube, if you dont got something good to say, then keep your mouth shut.

[mountdesertrock]

Why is it his last day?

[posikyle]

@mountdesertrock

The library lounge turned into a private cigar club. He is now at Bar Uncommon.

[blackmidgetjew]

this man is a virtuoso of his own instrument

[JO911B]

Bravo!

[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.

[calandur]

wow

[Nariekxyz]

This genius could spend 20 minutes making one cocktail and you wouldn't notice because you would be so entranced by his poetry!

[carolmelancon]

Friday before last I twisted my brother-in-law's arm to take me and our respective spouses to the Bar Uncommon after dinner at Stella! for a mint julep (they needed to get home to let the babysitter go). I felt slightly guilty, but asked Mr. McMillian for the poetry on the side. I got goosebumps and did get misty-eyed, even though I knew what was coming. My in-laws were entranced.

[scotchrks]

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

[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!

[luxemkingII]

Does anyone know if he still works in the library lounge?

[Swegen]

@luxemkingII

The Bar Uncommon at the Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel at the corner of Baronne and Common in downtown New Orleans.

[luxemkingII]

@Swegen thanks! have you been there? if yes, is it nice?

[MobileSuitGundamFan]

... That was just wow

[AubreyfromOregon]

this man is amazing...

[abysmalSF]

Wow... speechless. Looks amazing, and a history lesson to top it off! hehe

[twinfountain]

Best ever.

[animeangel3613]

i want to marry him

[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.

[MSKR111]

OMG I want to have his baby - but at 46 that could be a problem :D

[mygoatisdead]

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.

[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.

[egoremover]

***CRYS***

[GuitarmanST]

Praise from the Promised land!!!!

Great GREAT video

[ShyCrooner]

omg

[Ciularibus]

He's the best! Really..from Italy.

[ecurr04]

hes a legend!!!! a dying breed mixologists, bartenders with a passion and flair for the trade. he has every area covered, origon, history, proffesionalism and interesting! i love it, but i think there could be a lady under neath the bar counter, giving divine inspiration!!!! listen 2 his voice! top marks 10/10

[DouglasMacKay]

I am an aspiring bartender, i've just gotten in to the business and i must say, no one bartends like this anymore, he bartends like hes painting a picture, its not rushed and sloppy, he makes his drinks with so much precision and care, its amazing. i have to agree with humpahna, i would never have expected poetry and bartending to walk hand in hand but he proved it exceptionally. i enjoy both bartending and poetry so this was like the perfect "cocktail" in a sense. simply and utterly amazing.

[thelivingjukebox]

I'd love to be guest at his bar.

[GTDyno]

Damn poet!

[brainjesus]

best damn bartender from timbuktu to portland ,maine... hell, portland, oregon for that matter.

[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!

[iiiiiccccc]

this is fabulous. i like this guy, damn. nice - you know your business!

[tennesseetide]

The man is a legend!

[drvoel]

The man is amazing.....

[Maggie1355]

This is guy is my hero.

[casingengr]

Blanton's

[MSUmateo1375]

No offense, but you sound kind of like The Joker off Batman.

[adamokerblom]

Thank you Chris, this series, especially this grand finale, has truly warmed my heart and opened my palate to the wonderful world of american bourbon. Cheers to you!

[tg343441]

cocktail guru

[MischaRocks88]

absolutely awesome, chris! thanks for leaving on this high note!

[gardenvarietypenis]

beautiful recitation, chris!

this is an instant "favorite".

[wattatta47]

holy moly. he is very poetic!

[lmm9607]

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

[mnmz2]

Fabulous! Thank you for sharing this.

[TehincNick]

magnificent.

[knightrider0071987]

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

[tobodod]

Thank-you so much Chris. Splendid artistry.

[catfife]

so sexy

[Exeshedder]

This man is my God!!! I'm a bartender and i wish i was even HALF as good as him!

[codeyh]

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.

[totalmuppet]

Cruise/Flanagan just got served... THIS guys, is the last bar man poet!

[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 Youtube.

[fiddlenut24]

i wish all bartenders were like this, the bartenders in my area all suck!

[MightBiteYa]

I hear that, my friend. I live in southeast Texas, and most of the bartenders here have no clue how to make a mint julep. The ones that do are usually in bars that don't stock mint. The most I'm usually able to get if they DO have mint is a piss poor concoction thrown together while looking it up in a book. The result is pitiful to say the least. No bartender south of the Mason-Dixon should be unable to make a mint julep!

[pcro509]

this has to be the best video ive ever seen on youtube.

[oldsmell]

lol i feel the same way

[aslanmaskadov]

The brilliant Chris McMillian !

[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.

[Natcatkitcraze]

spoken like a true idiot.

[rogeybo]

Yeah. What a tool.

[aslanmaskadov]

You're a gimp!

[maestro6000]

What a magnificent Bartender!

Thank you Chris.

[goonersf]

Chris is a genuine gentleman, expert of his trade.

[dorotwhy]

stevenjonsucks, back atcha

[aslanmaskadov]

Sit on it instead of talking through it. That's what an ass is for, Child.

[MrLewisUK]

LEGEND!

[riecket13]

beautiful

[fallingzeppelin69]

dude that was awesome. i just keep watching it

[teflonmagnet]

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

[parkanoid]

Bravo!

[rayogram2]

Chris is the epitome of the cocktail.

cheers.

[JeppeWein]

I do agree, this man's the real deal; but didn't he forget to add sugar while quoting?

[Alsayid]

It's mixed in with the water he pours over the ice, like in the poem.

[fatherdraper]

Chris McMillian is one of the best bartenders in America. Every one of his drinks I've had has been stellar. And he is the perfect host. You have to respect someone who consistently maintains the highest standards.

[riverice7]

I agree with you totally sorry I mean to give a thumbs UP way UP

[cupofjoe29]

I love you Chris!

[RespectDaChink]

Chris defines classy and passion.

[HeWhoHatesCats]

Wow... this guy is REALLY passionate about this cocktail

[zooter66]

If you haven't had the pleasure of having Chris mix for you a mint julep and recite the Zenith of Mans' Pleasure, you are missing out on something special. Chris McMillian exemplifies the art of the cocktail.

[ChagollaCA]

I seriously just fell in love with this man. I'm not on the monthly, but my eyes watered up, i couldn't believe how long and beautiful the poem is. He's so passionate, bringing back romance to the drinking experience. Cheers....

[jpollan]

Chris is the bartender you wish you had when you aren't in New Orleans

[njLady4I]

I am so glad Chris is back behind the bar. He has a gift and a charming way about himself and is a wealth of cocktail history.

[nolatlf]

Chris is back. Check out his newest video on the Sazerac.

[mywytefeet]

I'd travel to New Orleans just to sit at his bar and have one drink that was created with such care and passion.

[fpz627]

I just found out that Chris is back. He is working at the Lobby Bar in the Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel. It's at the corner of Common and Barone. Had drink with him the other night, he is awesome.

[KeroroGunsouTX]

Why don't they have this guy on ExpertVillage instead of that other lame-ass slob?