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The mint julep is the iconic drink of the Kentucky Derby. And while many make a point of drinking it on Derby weekend, it's a great drink to make all spring and summer long.
Cool, crisp and refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness and edge from the bourbon, it's also pretty easy to make (even when you make you're own crushed ice).
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What is a Mint Julep?
A mint julep is a cocktail made with fresh muddled mint, sugar cubes or simple syrup and bourbon. It's topped off with crushed ice and garnished with more fresh mint, so it's super simple and refreshing.
Ingredients
The ingredients are pretty simple, which means you want to go as good as you can on quality. Here's what we're looking for:
- Fresh mint
- Simple syrup
- Bourbon
- Crushed ice
That's it!
The Best Bourbon to Use
Because bourbon is what's making up the majority of this drink, you really want to spring for something high quality if you can. My favourite is Woodford Reserve, but Maker's Mark and Buffalo Trace are also great options!
How to Make a Mint Julep
Mint juleps are super easy to make, honestly the most difficult part is making the crushed ice (which is one hundred percent not difficult). I like to start there so it's done and over with before I prepare the drinks.
First you're gong to need your blender. Add 3-4 cups of ice cubes for three drinks, and then half cover them with water. Blend for 10-15 seconds, until the chunks are broken up and quite small (although really, you can make them whatever size you want). If there's still extra water laying around, run the ice through a strainer. You can definitely make it ahead, just keep in the freezer when it's done!
To make the actual drinks - combine the mint and the simple syrup (or two sugar cubes) in a rocks glass or in mint julep cups. Muddle the mint and the sugar/syrup together until the mint is crushed and very fragrant. Add the bourbon and stir. Top the whole thing off with crushed ice, enough so the glass is completely full of it.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, and you're good to go!
What to Serve it In
Mint juleps have a special glass, just for them, similar to a Moscow Mule situation. However, if you don't have mint julep cups, you can totally just use a rocks glass and it will look equally beautiful and taste delicious.
Variations
There are all kinds of fun variations for julep, and most of them are pretty easy to make. Just add whatever flavor you want while you're muddling the mint - and to make it extra strong (or for ingredients that are hard to muddle, like apple or ginger), use a flavored simple syrup instead. Here are a few great options for flavor variations:
- Strawberry
- Peach
- Ginger
- Apple
- Blueberry
- Watermelon
You can also switch up the type of alcohol you use (like gin or vodka instead of bourbon), but keep in mind this is going to give you a completely different flavor.
Other Awesome Cocktails to Try
📖 Recipe
Classic Mint Juleps
Ingredients
- 4-5 mint leaves plus more for garnish
- ½ oz simple syrup or two sugar cubes
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ C crushed ice more or less, depending on the size of your glass
Instructions
- Add the mint leaves and simple syrup to the glass you'll be serving the julep in. Muddle together until the mint is crushed and fragrant. Add the bourbon and stir. Top with crushed ice, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Notes
Nutrition
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Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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