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    Home » Cocktails » Bourbon

    Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

    LAST UPDATED: February 10, 2020 PUBLISHED: February 10, 2020 By Pam Greer 5 Comments As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Don't wait for Derby Day to enjoy a refreshing Mint Julep Cocktail!  This delightful cocktail made with good old Kentucky bourbon and mint is a classic for a reason - it's so good!   

    Two glasses filled with crushed ice and a brown cocktail garnished with mint.

    The Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

    This bourbon cocktail is the classic cocktail of the Kentucky Derby.  Even though I've never been to the races, I've enjoyed plenty of Mint Juleps, so I was surprised to see that I didn't have  one on my blog!  

    I know!

    Well, I am here today to right that wrong.  Not only am I sharing a classic mint julep recipe, but check back later in the week for a Blackberry Mint Julep! 

    Let's see how easy it is to make this refreshing cocktail!

    Old Forester Kentucky bourbon, simple syrup, and mint.

    Ingredients

    • Kentucky Bourbon - we used Old Forester.  Here is an interesting article on the Best Bourbons for a Mint Julep. 
    • Simple syrup - some people use sugar and muddle that with the mint.  I like the ease of simple syrup, no worrying for the sugar to dissolve. 
    • Mint - fresh mint.  For variation, you can try some of the flavored mints, I have chocolate mint growing in my yard and it was yummy. 

    Bourbon measured into a glass and simple syrup measured.

    Directions

    This is such an easy cocktail to make!

    Measure 2 ounces of bourbon and ½ ounce of simple syrup.

    Photo collage showing muddling mint and adding bourbon to cocktail glass.

    Muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup in a rock's glass (or a julep cup if you have one.)  If you are using sugar instead of simple syrup, you would muddle it with the mint. 

    Fill the glass with crushed ice.   

    Why use crushed ice with a mint julep?  As you can see from the ingredients, this cocktail is basically liquor with a little simple syrup.   The crushed ice melts more into the drink, giving it the proper dilution as you sip it.   Plus it keeps it extra cold and frosty! 

    Photo collage showing bourbon added to glass and cocktail being stirred.

    Add the bourbon to the glass and stir. 

    To serve, top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig. 

    Cocktail glass filled with crushed ice and garnished with mint.

    This cocktail is so delicious!  It may look all genteel, but this baby packs a punch!  Like I stated above, one of the reasons this is served on crushed ice is so that it can melt as you sip it and dilute it a bit so that it's perfectly smooth! 

    More Bourbon Cocktails

    • Bourbon Hot Toddy
    • Double Cherry Old Fashioned
    • Blackberry Whiskey Sour
    • Peach Bourbon Sour
    • or check out all my Bourbon Cocktails
    Two mint julep cocktails.
    Print Pin Save Saved!
    5 from 32 votes

    Classic Mint Julep

    This Classic Mint Julep has only three ingredients, packs a punch and is oh so refreshing!
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1
    Calories 173kcal

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces bourbon
    • ½ ounce simple syrup
    • 6 mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish

    Instructions

    • In the bottom of a rock's glass or mint julep cup, muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup.
    • Top with crushed ice.
    • Pour the bourbon over the ice and stir.
    • Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

    Notes

    Can use 1 teaspoon of sugar in place of the simple syrup, just muddle it with the mint leaves. 
    Crushed ice is necessary.  This is a strong drink and the crushed ice will melt as you sip the drink, keeping it smooth and frosty! 

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says

      February 10, 2020 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      3 ingredients only? AMAZING! I thought I needed more to make those! I have some homemade rosemary simple syrup, I think that could go pretty well!

      Reply
    2. Anita says

      February 10, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      The only consistent thing I use up my mints is by turning them into mint julep. Such a good use and it's always nice and refreshing. 🙂

      Reply
    3. Jamie says

      February 10, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      5 stars
      I love and simple and easy this recipe is! You can really taste the fresh mint flavor. So refreshing.

      Reply
    4. georgie says

      February 10, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      this is my kind of cocktail! I adore mint in anything, can't wait to give it a try!

      Reply
    5. Dannii says

      February 10, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      I love any kind of mint drink. This looks super refreshing!

      Reply

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