How to make a Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic bourbon drink for a reason. Calling for just three ingredients, this mint julep recipe highlights the best bourbon and fresh mint. It’s perfect to sip on a warm day. Makes 1 drink.
The first Saturday of May is right around the corner, which means the Running of the Roses (AKA the Kentucky Derby) is nigh.
I’ve mentioned it here before, but I was utterly obsessed with horse racing as a kid, and as an adult, I dream of attending the Derby in person.
However, that’s not happening this year, so we’re going to enjoy a homemade mint julep.
I’ve shared my Blueberry Mint Julep recipe here before, but I didn’t have a classic one, so I’m fixing that right now. 🙂
What makes this mint julep recipe special:
A mint julep is a boozy drink for someone who enjoys bourbon that is a celebration of this smoky distilled drink goodness paired with fresh mint sprig and a little bit of sugar!
This is my twist on a classic mint julep recipe.
You’ll notice that we are using simple syrup instead of traditional sugar cubes because I can never seem to find those.
Also, simple syrup is excellent because you can make it in advance so that all you have to do on Derby Day (or whenever you feel like mixing a julep) is muddling your mint with the syrup and adding your bourbon.
While it’s perfect for sipping for Derby Day, this bourbon cocktail is a wonderful drink to enjoy whenever the weather is warm!
Some bourbon baked goods to try this year alongside this julep: Mini Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pies | Bourbon Pecan Pie (or Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars) | Bourbon Pecan Tassies | Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Hand Pies | Bourbon Pecan Brownies
Looking for some more bourbon drink recipes? Check out my Bourbon recipe index.
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
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- Glasses (you can purchase a fancy mint julep cup or you can do something like what I’m using here, which is a double old fashioned glass)
- Jigger or mini angled measuring cup
- Muddler
- Blender to make the crushed ice
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
You might be wondering, what is in a mint julep? Well, it’s pretty dang simple, but the mint julep ingredients are so incredibly important…
- Fresh mint leaves — spearmint is the “correct” type of mint to use.
- Bourbon — the good stuff. I used Basil Hayden’s because that’s what we had here, but any high quality bourbon is what you want. (Stay away from blends.)
- Simple syrup — traditional juleps call for sugar cubes, but I like using homemade simple syrup because I can make it in advance and don’t have to attempt to find sugar cubes at the store, which feels impossible. Make it in advance in a small saucepan.
- Crushed ice — yes, I’m going to say this is an ingredient! The texture matters, and the smaller the ice particles, the faster it’s going to melt into the julep to mellow out the punch of the bourbon. You can make this in your blender, you can crush it in a bag with a meat tenderizer or you can purchase some from your favorite fast food restaurant
But first, let’s talk about bourbon…
Because this matters when we’re making a mint julep: All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that has very specific requirements. It’s kind of like France and champagne.
Some of these requirements are:
- The mash making the bourbon must be at least 51% corn.
- It must be produced in America.
- The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less and bottled at 125 proof or less.
- Bourbon has to be aged in charred white oak barrels that are new.
Southern Living has a really informative article about the differences between bourbon and whiskey if you want to learn more!
How to make an easy mint julep
First, crush your ice. I’ve used my blender* (affiliate link) to make the crushed ice, but you can do this in a plastic bag, too, if you don’t have a blender.
How to make crushed ice in a bag: Place ice cubes in a plastic bag, and wrap it in a kitchen towel. Use a meat tenderizer or a rolling pin to smash the ice into pieces.
Muddle the mint. Add the fresh mint sprigs to the bottom of a glass. Pour the simple syrup on top of them. Use a muddler to gently smash them together. Be careful not to tear the mint leaves apart — we’re muddling to release the natural oils of the mint into the simple syrup.
Finish the julep. Pour in the bourbon, then add the ice. Stir with a spoon until the outside of your glass is frosty.
Garnish with a bunch of mint, and serve immediately.
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
Derby Day is nigh, and the classic Mint Julep is the perfect way to celebrate, whether you’re watching at Churchill Downs or from your living room.
This Mint Julep recipe is especially charming, in my opinion, because it’s pretty simple to make and is bursting with flavor. And if you’re entertaining? It’s something you can make for a crowd, too.
Here are a few tips and tricks to make it as easy as possible:
- Make your simple syrup 1-2 days in advance. Let it hang out in the fridge, and make a lot of it, depending on how many friends are joining you.
- Have more than enough mint on hand. If you’ve got a prolific mint plant in your garden, you’re probably good, but if you’re purchasing mint from the store, buy several packs. Why? You want a beautiful garnish of mint on top of your julep for both look and scent!
- Turn it into a bar! I don’t recommend making a Mint Julep Pitcher because these drinks are better for making individually, so turn this into an event for your people. Print out the recipe, set out the ingredients and tools your guests will need, and let them mix their own juleps!
Frequently Asked Questions
There isn’t a specific brand of bourbon you should use for a mint julep! However, I know at the Kentucky Derby, they make juleps with Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. In this recipe, I used Basil Hayden’s because that’s what we had.
If you don’t know your bourbon, I’d reach out to someone at your local liquor store who’s knowledgeable and who can help you choose a bottle. (This is what I do whenever I visit the liquor store and don’t feel confident in my ability to choose a good bottle.)
I think it’s important that you don’t want to purchase a bottom shelf bottle of bourbon because you taste the bourbon in this drink and obviously, we want it to taste good.
Spearmint is the fresh mint you’re looking for.
They do. However, they are strong bourbon drinks, so if you are not a bourbon fan, this cocktail is not for you.
I really like to pair Southern foods with juleps… just because I think they go nicely and work well at a Derby party. We’re talking pimento cheese, deviled eggs, etc.
Quick tips and tricks for making the best homemade mint juleps
- Crush your ice! It might sound wild, but the texture of the ice matters in a mint julep. The finer the ice, the more quickly it’s going to melt into the drink, taking away a bit of the bourbon’s bite.
- Use your favorite bourbon. Now is not the time for bourbon/whiskey blends. Use quality bourbon that you can afford, and enjoy every sip.
- Make a variation on the classic. We love Blueberry Mint Juleps. I know a Blackberry Mint Julep would be a totally delicious twist on the classic, too.
- Don’t forget the mint garnish! Not only does it make your drink look beautiful, but the oils in the mint itself add to the enjoyment of this bourbon cocktail.
Here’s how you make it…
How to make a Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 7-8 mint leaves
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- 2 ½ oz. bourbon
- Finely crushed ice
- Additional mint sprigs for garnish
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Instructions
- Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup or a double old fashioned glass.
- Pour the simple syrup on top of the mint.
- Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup together to release natural oils from the mint.
- Pour the bourbon on top of the mint-syrup mixture.
- Add the finely crushed ice, and stir until the exterior of your glass is frosty.
- Garnish with a mint sprig, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Tips and tricks for making the best homemade mint juleps
- Crush your ice! It might sound wild, but the texture of the ice matters in a mint julep. The finer the ice, the more quickly it’s going to melt into the drink, taking away a bit of the bourbon’s bite. You can do this in your blender or in a plastic baggie.
- Use your favorite bourbon. Now is not the time for bourbon/whiskey blends. Use quality bourbon that you can afford, and enjoy every sip.
- Don’t forget the mint garnish! Not only does it make your drink look beautiful, but the oils in the mint itself add to the enjoyment of this bourbon cocktail.
Nutrition
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
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