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Two mint juleps with bourbon in the background and mint simple syrup
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5 from 3 votes

Mint Julep Recipe

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!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Servings: 40 juleps total
Calories: 42kcal

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

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 42kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg