Description
Classic Mint Julep Recipe is the iconic cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, but it’s also a refreshing, simple sipper that belongs on every porch and patio all summer long. With bold bourbon, cooling mint, and a slushy mountain of crushed ice, this Southern staple is tradition in a glass.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz Kentucky bourbon (Woodford Reserve is traditional)
- ½ oz simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube with a splash of water)
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- Crushed ice (lots!)
- Optional: powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a julep cup or rocks glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup. Avoid over-crushing to prevent bitterness.
- Pour in the bourbon and stir to combine.
- Fill the glass to the top with crushed ice, gently mounding it into a dome shape.
- Stir well until the glass becomes frosty and chilled.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint, gently slapped between palms to release aroma, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve immediately with a short straw to enjoy the full mint aroma.
Notes
Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor. Chill your glass or julep cup in advance for maximum frostiness. Fresh mint is essential—never use dried. If batching for a party, combine 2 cups bourbon with ½ cup simple syrup in a pitcher and add mint just before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: classic mint julep recipe, bourbon cocktail, kentucky derby drink, southern cocktails