This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The classic Mint Julep is made with fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice, traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup to keep the drink extra cold. It’s a minty, slightly sweet, and refreshingly assertive whiskey cocktail that’s become the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Table of Contents
Brief History
The first known written mention of the Mint Julep appeared in John Davis’ book “Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States of America.” Davis described it as a “dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it.”
The Mint Julep became widely popular across the southern states, especially among the upper class. It was considered a refined drink, often consumed in the morning as a sort of tonic. In 1938 it became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Each year, nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are served at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby weekend. While it’s an iconic classic, it usually only makes an annual appearance in my cocktail rotation. It’s spirit-forward, subtly sweet, and generously minty.
Ingredients Notes & Substitutions
- Bourbon: your favorite bourbon should work just fine in this cocktail. Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby if you’re looking to get into the spirit.
- Simple syrup: 1:1 simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water. It’s easy to make homemade simple syrup in a matter of minutes. Unlike table sugar, simple syrup mixes readily in cocktails, making it the modern gold standard for sweetening cocktails.
- Mint: any fresh mint should work in this cocktail. Mojito, spearmint, or peppermint are popular options.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- A Julep cup works similarly to a copper mug, providing exceptional chilling while keeping the ice from overly diluting the cocktail. I bought mine on Amazon.
- A mallet and Lewis bag can easily turn cubed ice into crushed ice. Fill a canvas bag with cubed ice and hit it with the mallet. It’s useful for the Mai Tai and other tiki cocktails. A worthwhile investment, however, you can also use a rolling pin and a plastic bag.
- Use plenty of crushed ice. The purpose of it is to help chill the cocktail while also adding necessary dilution.
Similar Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Mint Julep Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon, pref Woodford Reserve
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 8 mint leaves
- crushed ice
- mint sprig garnish
Instructions
- In a Julep cup or chilled old-fashioned glass, muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup. Add the bourbon and some crushed ice.
- Stir with a bar spoon until mixed.
- Top with additional crushed ice. Slap a mint sprig on the back of your hand and then around the rim of the cup/glass and garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
