Mint Julep

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A classic Southern cocktail featuring bourbon, fresh mint, and crushed ice served in a traditional metal julep cup.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Julep Cup

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Recipe

1 cocktail (85ml)

Bourbon Whiskey
60 ml
Mint Leaves
10 leaves
Rich Simple Syrup (2:1)
15 ml
Fresh Mint sprigs
1 sprig

Recipe credit: Traditional Kentucky Derby Recipe

Instructions

3 minutes to make

Step

Chill the metal julep cup in the freezer for several minutes or fill with ice water, then discard.

Step

Place 10 mint leaves in the bottom of the chilled cup, add simple syrup, and gently muddle to express oils without shredding the leaves.

Step

Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice, pour in the bourbon, and stir gently to combine and chill.

Step

Pack with more crushed ice, creating a dome that rises above the rim of the cup.

Step

Gently slap the mint sprig between your hands to release aroma, then insert into the ice alongside the straw.

Step

Serve immediately, instructing guests to hold the cup by the top and bottom edges to preserve the frost.

Equipment

Muddler

Bar spoon

Description

The Mint Julep is an iconic American cocktail that epitomizes Southern hospitality and tradition. Dating back to the 18th century, this refreshing bourbon-based drink has become synonymous with the Kentucky Derby and represents the pinnacle of classic American cocktail culture. The combination of premium bourbon, fresh mint, and crushed ice creates a perfectly balanced drink that is both cooling and aromatic.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (85ml)

Calories

156

ABV

28 %

Alcohol

19 g

Carbs

6 g

Carbs from Sugar

6 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0 g

Sodium

1 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

Use only freshly crushed ice - it chills faster and creates the signature frost on the metal cup. Crush ice using a blender or by wrapping cubes in a towel and smashing with a mallet.
Never over-muddle the mint - you want to bruise the leaves to release oils, not tear them apart which introduces bitterness. A gentle press is sufficient.
Choose your bourbon carefully - rye-forward bourbons add spice complexity while wheated bourbons provide a smoother, sweeter profile. Both work beautifully but create different flavor experiences.
Pre-chill your julep cups in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before service to achieve the best frosting effect and maintain temperature longer.

Can I use regular ice instead of crushed ice?

While you can use regular ice, crushed ice is essential for an authentic Mint Julep. It chills the drink much faster, creates better dilution, and allows the metal cup to frost properly. The texture and drinking experience are significantly different with regular ice.

What type of mint should I use?

Spearmint is the traditional choice for Mint Juleps due to its sweet, mild flavor that complements bourbon perfectly. Avoid peppermint which can be too aggressive, and ensure your mint is fresh with vibrant green leaves and no brown spots.

Do I need a metal julep cup or can I use a regular glass?

While you can make the drink in any glass, a metal julep cup is strongly recommended. The metal conducts cold efficiently, creating the iconic frost on the outside and keeping the drink colder longer. It’s also part of the traditional presentation that makes the drink special.

How sweet should a Mint Julep be?

A proper Mint Julep should be lightly sweetened – enough to balance the bourbon’s strength and complement the mint, but not so sweet that it masks the whiskey. Start with 15ml of rich simple syrup and adjust to taste. The sweetness should enhance, not dominate.