A Southern classic with roots in the American South, the Mint Julep is a refreshing, bourbon-forward cocktail served over crushed ice and garnished with a lush mint bouquet. It’s the quintessential cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, known for its cooling, minty finish and rich bourbon base.
📋 Cocktail Overview
-
🍸 Style: Classic / Spirit-forward
-
🌿 Flavor Profile: Minty, bold, slightly sweet
-
🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
-
🥃 Glassware: Julep cup or rocks glass
-
🧊 Method: Built over crushed ice
-
Julep cup (or rocks glass)
-
Jigger or measuring tool
-
Muddler or bar spoon
-
Ice crusher or Lewis bag
1. Prepare the Glass
-
Fill the Julep cup or rocks glass with crushed ice and set aside to chill.
2. Muddle the Mint
-
In a mixing glass or directly in the julep cup, add:
-
½ oz simple syrup
-
8–10 mint leaves
-
-
Gently muddle the mint to release the oils without tearing the leaves. This will avoid bitterness.
3. Add Bourbon & Ice
-
Pour in 2½ oz bourbon over the muddled mint and syrup.
-
Add a handful of crushed ice, filling the glass about halfway.
-
Stir gently to mix and chill.
4. Pack with Ice & Garnish
-
Pack the glass with more crushed ice, creating a snow-cone-like mound at the top.
-
Garnish with a generous mint sprig, slapping it lightly to release the aromatic oils.
-
Optionally, dust the top with a touch of powdered sugar for a frosty effect.
5. Serve with a Straw
-
Insert a short straw right next to the mint garnish so the aroma of the mint is prominent with each sip.
-
Spirit Variations: Swap bourbon for rye whiskey for a spicier profile or aged rum for a Caribbean twist.
-
Flavored Syrup: Infuse the simple syrup with peach, blackberry, or lavender for a unique take.
-
Sweeter Finish: Increase the simple syrup to ¾ oz for a slightly sweeter julep.
-
Frozen Mint Julep: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy, summer-friendly version.
-
Spicy Mint Julep: Add a dash of Angostura bitters for a spiced undertone.
-
Appetizers: Pimento cheese dip, fried green tomatoes, or bacon-wrapped dates
-
Snacks: Spiced pecans, candied ginger, or roasted almonds
-
Dessert: Pecan pie, bourbon-glazed donuts, or chocolate truffles
Ingredients
Directions
-
Julep cup (or rocks glass)
-
Jigger or measuring tool
-
Muddler or bar spoon
-
Ice crusher or Lewis bag
1. Prepare the Glass
-
Fill the Julep cup or rocks glass with crushed ice and set aside to chill.
2. Muddle the Mint
-
In a mixing glass or directly in the julep cup, add:
-
½ oz simple syrup
-
8–10 mint leaves
-
-
Gently muddle the mint to release the oils without tearing the leaves. This will avoid bitterness.
3. Add Bourbon & Ice
-
Pour in 2½ oz bourbon over the muddled mint and syrup.
-
Add a handful of crushed ice, filling the glass about halfway.
-
Stir gently to mix and chill.
4. Pack with Ice & Garnish
-
Pack the glass with more crushed ice, creating a snow-cone-like mound at the top.
-
Garnish with a generous mint sprig, slapping it lightly to release the aromatic oils.
-
Optionally, dust the top with a touch of powdered sugar for a frosty effect.
5. Serve with a Straw
-
Insert a short straw right next to the mint garnish so the aroma of the mint is prominent with each sip.
-
Spirit Variations: Swap bourbon for rye whiskey for a spicier profile or aged rum for a Caribbean twist.
-
Flavored Syrup: Infuse the simple syrup with peach, blackberry, or lavender for a unique take.
-
Sweeter Finish: Increase the simple syrup to ¾ oz for a slightly sweeter julep.
-
Frozen Mint Julep: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy, summer-friendly version.
-
Spicy Mint Julep: Add a dash of Angostura bitters for a spiced undertone.
-
Appetizers: Pimento cheese dip, fried green tomatoes, or bacon-wrapped dates
-
Snacks: Spiced pecans, candied ginger, or roasted almonds
-
Dessert: Pecan pie, bourbon-glazed donuts, or chocolate truffles