Made with a homemade mint simple syrup and smoky bourbon, this classic cocktail is the perfect way to cool off for the Kentucky Derby or anytime this Spring. Sit back, throw on a sun hat and take a sip of this refreshing, iconic Mint Julep recipe!
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It’s time to trade in spiked hot chocolate and hot toddies for icy, bright cocktails! 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. These women always held a fan in one hand and a chilled pewter cup in the other. I never knew what was in the cups but I knew it must’ve been good.
Now that I’m all grown up, I’ve discovered the joy that is a Mint Julep. Made using fresh mint, each sip is delightfully cool and refreshing. Mint Juleps are the perfect Spring beverage; they’re light, breezy and so darn easy to make!
What do you say we bring the Kentucky Derby to us this year?
The Heart and Soul of the Best Mint Julep Recipe
Cuisine Inspiration: Southern American
Primary Cooking Method: Mixing
Dietary Info: Contains Alcohol
Key Flavor: Minty Freshness with a Bourbon Kick
Skill Level: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Sweet Highlights:
- Southern Hospitality in a Glass: Nothing says warm welcome like a classic Mint Julep. Originating from the southern United States, this drink is all about tradition, celebration, and some good ol’ relaxation.
- Freshness Overload: The mint isn’t just a garnish, y’all. It’s the soul of the party in this recipe, giving each sip a refreshing coolness that’s perfect for hot afternoons on the porch or a classy barbecue shindig.
- Simplicity is Bliss: No need for fancy techniques or a long list of ingredients here. With just fresh mint, sugar, bourbon, and a little water, you’re on your way to flavor town!
- Versatility for Days: Serve it in a highball glass or go traditional with a silver or pewter cup. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the sweetness or strength to match your taste buds.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for your Derby Day party or any festivity! This drink is a surefire hit amongst guests. Plus, it’s a breeze to turn into a non-alcoholic version for all to enjoy.
What is a Mint Julep?
A Mint Julep is an iconic bourbon cocktail that serves as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. On the first Saturday of May, over 120,000 mint juleps are served at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Made with bourbon, sugar, mint and crushed ice, this drink is incredibly simple yet, so refreshing.
Traditionally, mint juleps are served in silver or pewter cups; it’s important to hold the cup by the rim as to keep the drink cool.
Ingredients
Using only 4 ingredients, this recipe is simple enough to become your new favorite cocktail! Each ingredient offers a unique, complex layer of flavor that I just know you’ll love.
Here’s what you’re gonna need:
Mint
Mint is inherently sweet and produces a cooling effect on the tongue. Fresh mint leaves are also earthy, refreshing and slightly herby.
Sugar
Sugar, water and mint come together in this recipe to make a mint simple syrup. As with many other drinks, a sugary syrup adds a layer of sweetness that balances the rough edges of liquor.
Bourbon
Due to the charred oak aging process, bourbon contains trace amounts of smokiness. Bourbon is also known to have notes of vanilla, toffee and cinnamon.
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How to Make a Mint Julep
Craft the Mint Syrup:
- Tie chopped mint in a cheesecloth; place in a saucepan.
- Add 2 cups each of sugar and water; boil until sugar dissolves.
- Cool to room temp, then remove the mint bundle.
Mix Your Drink:
- Blend 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons mint syrup with 3 tablespoons (or up to 1/4 cup) bourbon.
- Serve over crushed ice, garnish with a mint sprig, and savor the freshness!
Tips and Tricks
I may not be a professional bartender but, I’ve got enough tricks up my sleeve to make a mean cocktail. With a few shakes, a couple stirs and little muddle, you can turn your kitchen into the best bar in town!
Crushed Ice Is Key
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.
Turn into a Mocktail
Want to include kiddos in the fun? You can easily change up the recipe to make something the whole family can enjoy! Simply swap out the bourbon for your choice of ginger-ale, lemonade or iced-tea.
More Sips
Ready for another round? Try another one of Grandbaby Cakes’ Best beverages!
Mint Julep Recipe
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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.
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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!