Mint Julep Recipe

The Mint Julep is a bourbon cocktail best known for being the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. Drinks that are this popular can sometimes seem difficult to make, but this recipe is actually incredibly easy and only requires a few ingredients. Beyond the bourbon, sugar, and mint, the only other requirement for this drink is crushed ice.

When it comes to signature cocktails from sporting events, the Mint Julep is perhaps the most iconic, and certainly one of the most delicious.

Traditionally, Mint Juleps are served in silver or pewter cups and held by the handle or rim so the cup maintains optimum frost. They work just as well in any tall glass.

With a balance of sweet, smoky, and herbal flavors, the Mint Julep is delicious all year long.

The simple combination of bourbon, mint, and simple syrup is carefully muddled and diluted to create a perfect whiskey summer sipper.

The proper way to serve a mint julep is in a frozen silver goblet, but if you don’t have one, just use the most elegant glass you have. Serve the cocktails on a silver platter with short straws. You can make the simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 to 5 mint sprigs, leaves only
  • 2 sugar cubes, or 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 2 1/2 ounces of bourbon whiskey
  • Crushed Ice
  • Mint sprig, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Put the ingredients: Put the mint leaves and the syrup in the bottom of a tall glass.
  2. Combine ingredients into your mixing glass: With the help of muddler, crush and mash the leaves to extract the flavor. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
  3. Pour your favorite bourbon in the bourbon and top off the glass with club soda.
  4. Stir the Mixture: With a long-handled spoon, stir to chill and mix. Take the time to stir it gently until the glass gets frosty. This should take at least 30 seconds, but the longer you do it, the better.
  5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a sprig of mint. Enjoy!

NOTES

  • Gently muddle your mint. The intention is to release the essential oils, not tear the leaves to bits.
  • Before garnishing with the mint sprig, gently slap it with your hands to release the aromatic oils of the mint.

Recipe Variations :

The Mint Julep has been around for so long that it has been adapted countless times. The technique for mixing it has been simplified, and ingredients have been added or substituted to create new variations. While the classic cocktail is fantastic, it’s fun to explore all your options.

  • As an alternative to muddling the mint and sugar, you can infuse simple syrup with mint. You can skip right to pouring and stirring, and it’s a good way to preserve fresh mint that’s starting to go bad.
  • You can enjoy a White Peach Julep or one that features ginger. Some take a completely different approach and swap the whiskey out for gin or brandy, too.
  • The taste of the Mint Julep is also captured fantastically in a frozen ice pop. It’s perfect for the hot days of summer.