Mint Julep Cocktail

Square photo of a metal cup with the julep in it with fresh mint in as a garnish

Best known as Kentucky’s most iconic cocktail, the mint julep is way too delicious to reserve for Derby Day. This mint julep recipe is made with bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint for a surprisingly refreshing whiskey cocktail you’ll love.

Course Cocktail

Cuisine Cocktails

Keyword bourbon drink, julep, mint julep

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings cocktail

Calories 202kcal

Author Elaine Benoit

Equipment

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.
10 leaves of mint, 1/2 ounce simple syrup
Muddle the mint with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon until the mint is bruised and fragrant. You should be able to smell the mint without sticking your nose in the cup.
Fill the cup 3/4 full with crushed ice.
Pour bourbon on ice.
2 1/2 ounces bourbon
Add more ice, add some mint on top, stick your straw in and stir
Get on your Kentucky Derby hat
Sip
Smile
Enjoy

Notes

Helpful tips

Buy the freshest mint you can find. I find that it mint lasts for a little over a week in the refrigerator.
Muddling herbs or fruit in a cocktail is fun and easy. Here's how to muddle the mint for this julep: place the mint and simple syrup in the glass. Next, take a muddler or if you don't own one, the back of a wooden spoon and crush the mint with the syrup until you bruise the leaves and can smell the mint without sticking your nose in the glass. Now you're ready for the next step.
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