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Fresh mint leaves, quality bourbon, and plenty of crushed ice are all you need to make the perfect Mint Julep Cocktail. This classic summer sipper is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby and beloved throughout the American south. It’s cool, refreshing, and packs quite a punch.

Speaking of packing a punch, you’ll want to enjoy this boozy beverage with some snacks. It’s the perfect pairing for Sweet and Savoury Candied Pecans or Southern style Pimento Cheese sandwiches.

Mint Julep Cocktail

The song Summertime begins with, “Summertime, and the living is easy…” evoking slow days of sipping cool cocktails on a shady porch swing. It’s a Southern anthem that creates a certain mood and if you close your eyes, you can almost taste the smooth bourbon.

And, in a Mint Julep recipe, quality bourbon is key. More specifically, American Bourbon Whiskey (with an ‘e’). Rather than imbibing in a glass of bourbon neat (meaning without ice), this frosty libation takes brown liquid to another level.

Think of it as a more civilized or classy way to imbibe. It’s all about the melt of the crushed ice mingling with the bourbon and the refreshing flavour of fresh mint. So, grab a Mint Julep cup and a cocktail muddler, select your finest bourbon, and read on to learn how to create the finest Mint Julep Cocktail.

What is a ‘Julep’?

The word “Julep” originated as a general term for a sweet, primarily medicinal drink. It has origins in Spanish, Arabic, and Persian languages with Persia the most likely origin of a medicinal drink featuring rosewater.

From Persia, the medicinal Julep migrated to Europe (where it often contained camphor), and finally to the antebellum south. Here, it was considered a ‘morning’ drink, enabling the over-imbiber to recover from the night before with a little ‘hair of the dog’.

The first written accounts (circa late 18th C) describe southern Julep cocktails made with muddled mint (preferably spearmint) and a variety of spirits including rum, brandy, cognac, or bourbon whiskey.

Today the Bourbon Mint Julep is regarded as a ‘smash style’ cocktail as it contains muddled mint leaves. However, it is not a true smash cocktail because it does not contain any added fruit.

Mint Julep Ingredients

Technique and quality of ingredients are the two most important considerations when making a Mint Julep Cocktail. Choosing higher proof bourbon will allow flavour to remain as the melting ice dilutes the cocktail. I have gone into detail about bourbon whiskey in the section below.

Additionally, a Mint Julep Cocktail is almost always served in a chilled silver cup with a tapered shape. For this cocktail you will also need a cocktail muddler and bar spoon, a strainer, and a high powered blender (affiliate links).

• Bourbon Whiskey
• Fresh Mint
• Mint Infused Simple Syrup
• Ice

The quality of mint and more specifically peppermint is also important. For the best flavour, choose peppermint leaves that are bright green, well hydrated, and without blemish. In this recipe, fresh mint leaves infuse into a simple syrup, while others are muddled to release their oils into the cocktail.

Finally, as any bartender will tell you, the quality of the ice can make or break a cocktail. If the ice has any freezer aroma, toss it. Use a high-powered blender to crush ice cubes into uniform pieces.

Choosing the Right Whiskey

On the first Saturday in May, the folks at Churchill Downs offer two differently priced Mint Julep Cocktails according to the bourbon you choose. They sell regular priced cocktails featuring Old Forester and premium Mint Juleps featuring Woodford Reserve.

However, for your Kentucky Derby Party, you have the freedom to choose your favourite (non sponsored) bourbon. Mid-range spirits may be fine for most cocktails but it’s worth the splurge on premium spirits for this primarily bourbon cocktail.

That said, choose only American Bourbon Whiskey (not Scotch Whisky) such as Buffalo Trace, Four Roses Single Barrel, Michter’s *1 Small Batch, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Maker’s Mark, or Knobb Creek 9 Year.

How to Make a Mint Julep

There are a few key steps to Most Mint Julep recipes use plain simple syrup, however in this recipe I use a mint simple syrup in addition to mudding mint leaves in the glass.

Pro Tip: To get the perfect level of chill required for this cocktail, I highly recommend prechilling the glass, bourbon, and simple syrup for an hour or two.

How to Make Mint Simple Syrup

To make the mint simple syrup, place water, sugar, and mint sprigs in a saucepan. Gently bring the mixture up to a near boil (do not boil), just until the sugar has dissolved. Remove mint simple syrup from heat and allow the mint to infuse as the syrup cools to room temperature. Strain out the mint and set aside.

How to Make the Cocktail

Begin by placing 5 mint leaves in the bottom of a chilled Mint Julep cup. Muddle mint by gently pressing and turning the leaves with a cocktail muddler to release the mint oils. NOTE: Aggressively tearing or shredding the mint leaves will release bitterness.

Next, use a jigger or graduated glass to measure 2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey then pour it over the mint leaves. Measure 1/2 ounce mint-infused simple syrup and add it to the bourbon and mint.

Pulse ice cubes in a blender until a crushed texture is achieved. Place a generous amount of crushed ice in the cup, then stir the cocktail so that all the ice is incorporated into the bourbon.

Finally, add more ice to the cup, creating a dome shape. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and serve immediately. Cheers!

Hi! I’m Bernice Hill and I am the sole recipe developer, photographer, and writer at Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen. It is my pleasure to share easy to follow recipes that are delicious, nutritious, and approachable for the whole family.

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