Since I was a little girl, I have always loved the image of regal Southern ladies wearing large floppy hats down on at the racetracks at the Kentucky Derby. Now I make the mint juleps they used to sip at home. And you won’t believe how easy, smoky, refreshing and delish my mint julep recipe is. Let me show you how to pull it off.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
How to Make a Mint Julep
Step 1: Add chopped mint (tied up) to a cheesecloth bag and add to a saucepan. Next pour 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups water into pan and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Cook, constantly stirring until sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and allow syrup to cool to room temperature. Once cool, remove cheesecloth bag.
Step 3: To make the drinks, Combine 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons of mint syrup with 3 tablespoons (or up to 1/4 cup) of bourbon.
Pour over crushed ice in small glasses and garnish with mint sprigs and enjoy.
Mint Julep Recipe
Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?
I’ll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Ingredients
For the Mint Syrup
- 1 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
For the Mint Juleps
- 3 tbsp bourbon
- mint springs for garnish
Instructions
For the Mint Syrup
- Add chopped mint (tied up) to a cheesecloth bag and add to a saucepan.
- Next pour 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups water into pan and bring to a boil.
- Cook, constantly stirring until sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and allow syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Once cool, remove cheesecloth bag.
To Make the Drinks
- Combine 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons of mint syrup with 3 tablespoons (or up to 1/4 cup) of bourbon.
- Pour over crushed ice in small glasses and garnish with mint sprigs and enjoy.
Notes
Wrap the ice cubes in a Lewis bag or a kitchen towel then, crush the ice with something heavy or whack it against a surface. The ice should be quite finely crushed but not so much so that it melts too quickly. STIR WELL
Make sure everything is well-incorporated by gently stirring the drink for at least 30 seconds. The glass should begin to get frosty and the drink will be crazy tasty. USE GOOD BOURBON
Because there are so few ingredients in this recipe, it’s essential to use high-quality alcohol. I suggest buying a bourbon that you enjoy the taste of on its own.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Crushed Ice is Key: Wrap the ice cubes in a kitchen towel then, crush the ice with something heavy or whack it against the counter. You want the ice to be finely crushed.
- Stir Well: Make sure everything is well-incorporated by gently stirring the drink for at least 30 seconds. The glass should begin to get frosty.
- Use Good Bourbon: Because there are so few ingredients in this recipe, it’s essential to use high-quality bourbon.
Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Recipe Help
Yep, just swap out the bourbon for your choice of ginger-ale, lemonade or iced-tea.
pinterest 
facebook 
twitter 
email
What kind of mint do you use in Mint Julep’s? Peppermint or Spearmint?
have never made mint juleps, even forgotten about them, but thnk you for this wonderful reminder and thank you
This recipe is for 40 servings?
Yes it makes quite a lot because it is served in smaller glasses but you can always halve the recipe if you need to.
Tomorrow is Friday, right? Then these are in order this weekend!
Entertaining the boys this summer has already been exhausting, so I need to make one or two of these so soon!
Mint juleps are my favorite! They’re so refreshing and easy to make! Plus they’re the perfect drink for summer to enjoy with friends and family. I will definitely be enjoying one today!
My husband and I made these for a mid afternoon happy hour! I mean why not right? They were delish, we first had them in KY when celebrating the derby!
Wow! This looks SO tasty and refreshing, definitely adding this to my list!