This mint julep cocktail recipe is the perfect sipping cocktail. Not only is it consumed during the Kentucky Derby but people enjoy it while fresh mint can be found. Because having this cocktail only on that one day would be a crying shame.
I had my first mint julep just a handful of years back. We were at our cousins house and it was Derby day. They asked me if I wanted to try one, and since I’m usually a creature of habit and have been feeling ‘stuck’ in my tastes, I said, “Sure, why not?”
I branched out and tried something new because – unlike when it comes to food, where I’m adventurous and will try and like different and sometimes unpopular delicacies like kidney stew – when it comes to my drinks, I tend to rehash the same ol’ repertoire.
Once I took a sip of this delicious drink, I realized that I am adventurous and decided from there on in, I’d be expanding my cocktail horizons.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.
Helpful tips
- Buy the freshest mint you can find. I find that it mint lasts for a little over a week in the refrigerator.
- Since this cocktail only has 3 ingredients, use the best bourbon you can afford.
- Make your own simple syrup. It is easy and economical. Here’s how – Place 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan and heat on medium. Once it comes to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Allow the simple syrup to completely cool before adding to your cocktails.
- You will be building this cocktail in the glass and although you see two cocktails in the photos below, I am writing the recipe for one cocktail.
How to make a mint julep
Pre-step
Get the glassware, measuring glass and muddler.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – Bourbon, simple syrup and mint.
Step two
Measure out 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
Step three
Place the mint in the bottom of the glass, pour the simple syrup on top and muddle away until you can smell the aroma of mint without sticking your nose in the cup.
This shows the leaves muddled to perfection. Notice the bruising of the mint.
Step four
Measure out 2.5 ounces of bourbon.
Step five
Add crushed ice to the glass and pour the bourbon over it. This will cause some of the ice to melt so add more if you like.
Add a few leaves of fresh mint to garnish the cocktail.
See how much the ice melts?
It didn’t help that I photographed this recipe during a heatwave.
And the vertical view.
Look at that frosty cup! I’m so excited to drink this.
I hope you enjoyed this mint julep cocktail recipe!
Other popular bourbon recipes
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Mint Julep Cocktail
Ingredients
- 10 leaves of mint (hold a few aside for garnish)
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
Instructions
- In your stainless steel cup, place the mint and syrup
- Muddle the mint with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon until the mint is fragrant
- Fill the cup 3/4 full with crushed ice
- Pour bourbon on ice
- Add more ice, plop some mint on top, stick your straw in and stir
- Get on your Kentucky Derby hat
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
Equipment
Notes
- Buy the freshest mint you can find. I find that it mint lasts for a little over a week in the refrigerator.
- Since this cocktail only has 3 ingredients, use the best bourbon you can afford.
- Make your own simple syrup. It is easy and economical. Here’s how – Place 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan and heat on medium. Once it comes to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Allow the simple syrup to completely cool before adding to your cocktails.
- You will be building this cocktail in the glass and although you see two cocktails in the photos below, I am writing the recipe for one cocktail.
Nutrition
Originally published April of 2016.
Vince
Love…love…love mint juleps..simple, fun, and very tasty!
Elaine
Vince,
Me too! I’ve really developed a taste for bourbon! Who woulda thunk.
Elaine
Gloria
We still have some summer weather left…even though Fall is offically here tomorrow. I would love this on the patio…in the afternoon sun….and a nice fall day.
Elaine
Hehe! Yes, Gloria. And I’m one of the few who doesn’t follow seasonal cocktails. 🙂 I have everything year round. Thank you for your comment!
Sharon
This mint julep is such a classic cocktail. I love that I can use my homegrown mint for this too.
Elaine
I definitely have to plant some mint for the future. Thanks Sharon!
Ramona
This mint julep cocktail looks absoloutly perfect and amazing! i love mint and will never stop loving it. I can put my homegrown mint into this as well, which i am very excited for! thank you for sharing this recipe.