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!
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.
Directions
This is such an easy cocktail to make!
Measure 2 ounces of bourbon and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
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!
Add the bourbon to the glass and stir.
To serve, top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
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
Classic Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 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.
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!
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. 🙂
I love and simple and easy this recipe is! You can really taste the fresh mint flavor. So refreshing.
this is my kind of cocktail! I adore mint in anything, can’t wait to give it a try!
I love any kind of mint drink. This looks super refreshing!