The Best Mint Julep Recipe: Southern Charm in a Glass
I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to share this one—the best mint julep recipe I’ve ever had the pleasure of making (and sipping!). Whether you’re prepping for a Kentucky Derby party or just soaking in a sunny afternoon on the porch, this refreshing, ice-cold cocktail brings instant Southern hospitality to your glass. It’s bold, bright, and cooling with just the right balance of sweetness and bourbon warmth.
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What Is a Mint Julep?
At its core, a mint julep is a bourbon-based cocktail traditionally served over crushed ice with fresh mint and a simple syrup. It’s most famously associated with the Kentucky Derby but is a timeless warm-weather drink enjoyed far beyond race day. Think of it as a Southern classic that never goes out of style—cool, aromatic, and effortlessly elegant.
Reasons to Love This Mint Julep Recipe
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Simple, but elegant: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
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Refreshing and bold: The perfect mix of mint and bourbon.
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Fast to make: Just five minutes to Derby Day greatness!
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Crowd-pleaser: Scales easily for entertaining.
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Customizable: Sweetness and strength adjusted to your taste.
What Does a Mint Julep Taste Like?
The flavor is a beautiful harmony of smooth, caramel-rich bourbon, cool and herbaceous mint, and just enough sweetness to make it go down easy. The crushed ice melts slowly, mellowing the drink sip by sip, so every moment with a julep is refreshing and rich. It’s like summer in a silver cup!
Benefits of Making Your Own Mint Julep
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Control the strength: Prefer it light? Use less bourbon. Bold? Pour freely!
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Use fresh ingredients: Say goodbye to artificial flavors.
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Make it your way: Add citrus, flavored syrups, or even fruit for a twist.
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Save money: Homemade cocktails = bar-quality experience at a fraction of the cost.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to craft the best mint julep:
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8–10 fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
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½ ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
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2 ounces bourbon
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Crushed ice
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Optional: powdered sugar for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
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Julep cup or rocks glass
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Muddler or wooden spoon
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Bar spoon (or regular teaspoon)
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Cocktail jigger
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Straw (for sipping close to the chill!)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
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Mint simple syrup: Infuse your simple syrup with mint leaves for extra flavor.
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Honey syrup: Sub in honey for a slightly floral sweetness.
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Citrus twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or orange bitters.
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Flavored bourbon: Try with vanilla or cherry bourbon for a modern spin.
How to Make the Best Mint Julep (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Muddle the Mint
Place the mint leaves in the bottom of your cup or glass. Add the simple syrup and gently muddle—just enough to release the oils, not shred the leaves!
Step 2: Add the Bourbon
Pour in the bourbon and give it a gentle stir to combine.
Step 3: Fill with Crushed Ice
Pack the glass with crushed ice (the more, the better!) and stir until the glass is frosty.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with a sprig of fresh mint, and if you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve with a straw and enjoy immediately!
What to Serve with Mint Juleps
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Pimento cheese dip and crackers
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Fried green tomatoes
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Benedictine tea sandwiches
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Grilled peaches or peach cobbler for dessert
Mint juleps pair wonderfully with classic Southern fare or as a standalone sip at cocktail hour.
Tips for the Perfect Mint Julep
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Use crushed ice: It chills the drink faster and creates that signature frosty glass.
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Don’t over-muddle the mint: Bruise gently to avoid bitterness.
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Chill your cup: A cold julep cup = longer-lasting refreshment.
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Use quality bourbon: With few ingredients, the bourbon flavor shines.
How to Store Mint Julep Ingredients
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Simple syrup: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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Fresh mint: Keep stems in a glass of water covered loosely in the fridge for freshness.
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Bourbon: Store at room temperature, sealed, in a cool, dark place.
General Info About Mint Juleps
The mint julep is more than just a cocktail—it’s a symbol of Southern charm, tradition, and refreshment. This icy bourbon-based drink has been cooling down warm afternoons since at least the 18th century, originally served as a medicinal tonic before becoming a beloved classic. Traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, fresh mint, and crushed ice, it’s served in a frosty silver or pewter cup that keeps every sip brisk and invigorating.
A Quick History
Mint juleps trace their roots back to the American South, where they first gained popularity among Virginia aristocrats as a morning pick-me-up. By the 1800s, the drink had become associated with luxury and leisure, often consumed on sprawling porches or at horse racing events. In 1938, the mint julep was named the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, and ever since, it has been an essential part of Derby Day traditions.
Each year during the Kentucky Derby weekend, more than 120,000 mint juleps are served at Churchill Downs alone—typically in collectible glasses or the iconic silver cups. The ritual of muddling fresh mint, packing in crushed ice, and sipping slowly through a straw has become just as much a part of the event as the races themselves.
Fun Facts About Mint Juleps:
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The word “julep” is derived from the Persian gulab, meaning rosewater.
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Early juleps weren’t just made with bourbon—gin and brandy were popular bases too.
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Traditional julep cups are held by the top or bottom edges only—to keep the sides frosty!
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A proper julep uses crushed ice, not cubes, to achieve that signature slushy texture.
Whether you’re serving them at a spring brunch or hosting a backyard Derby Day bash, mint juleps deliver Southern elegance in every glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a mint julep without bourbon?
Yes! Try it with a good-quality non-alcoholic bourbon alternative or substitute with sweet tea for a fun mocktail version.
What’s the best bourbon for a mint julep?
Something smooth but flavorful—Woodford Reserve (the official Derby bourbon), Maker’s Mark, or Buffalo Trace are all great options.
Can I make a large batch for a party?
Absolutely! Mix the syrup and bourbon in a pitcher, then pour over mint and crushed ice when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have crushed ice?
Use a blender or place regular ice in a bag and crush it with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate warm-weather cocktail, this best mint julep recipe is it. With simple ingredients, gorgeous presentation, and unbeatable flavor, it’s a drink you’ll return to again and again—whether it’s Derby Day or just another sunny Saturday. There’s something truly special about sipping a julep that you made yourself, especially when it’s this easy and this good.
Looking for more drinks to impress your guests?
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Peach Bourbon Smash
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Cucumber Gin Fizz
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Watermelon Basil Mojito
Tried this mint julep? I’d love to see it! Snap a pic, tag me on Pinterest, and let your Southern spirit shine. Cheers, friends!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~180
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Sugar: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 11g
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Alcohol: ~14% ABV (depending on bourbon)
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Fat/Protein: 0g
The Best Mint Julep Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
Bold, bright, and icy cool—this is the best mint julep recipe to bring Southern charm to your glass. Perfect for Derby Day or a sunny porch afternoon!
Ingredients
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Crushed ice
- Optional: powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves in the bottom of your cup or glass. Add the simple syrup and gently muddle—just enough to release the oils, not shred the leaves!
- Pour in the bourbon and give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Pack the glass with crushed ice (the more, the better!) and stir until the glass is frosty.
- Top with a sprig of fresh mint, and if you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve with a straw and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Use crushed ice for a properly chilled julep. Muddle the mint gently to avoid bitterness, and choose a bourbon you enjoy sipping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mint julep, bourbon cocktail, Kentucky Derby drink, southern cocktail, summer drink