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Home / Recipes
5 minutes
5 from 2 votes
1 Comments

Mint Julep

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe
  • 24
by: Joanna Cismaru

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Mint Julep recipe is made with just 3 ingredients stirred over crushed ice. There is no cocktail more refreshing and smooth featuring bourbon and lots of fresh mint!

side shot of 3 mint julep cups filled with mint julep, crushed ice and lots of fresh mint

With warmer weather comes the need for refreshments! This bourbon cocktail made with fresh mint is what I’m craving today. When there’s mint to be muddled I usually go for a classic mojito, but today I decided to switch it up. I mean, I am a food blogger after all! It’s my responsibility to do this research for all you lovely readers out there.

Originally created in the 18th century to soothe nausea, the mint julep has transformed into a classic cocktail enjoyed in spades at the Kentucky Derby. While I’m all the way up here in Canada, I still like to sip this refreshing cocktail and feel some of that Southern comfort.

side shot of all the ingredients needed to make a mint julep

Ingredients

Keep scrolling down to the recipe card for a list of FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!

  • Simple syrup – See recipe notes for making your own simple syrup.
  • Fresh mint – Using fresh mint is a must! The flavor and oils that come out from muddling is pertinent for a mint julep.
  • Bourbon – Use your favorite.
  • Ice – Make sure you’re using crushed ice. If you only have cubes, add them to a freezer bag, seal it, and beat the cubes with a mallet or rolling pin.
  • Soda water – Optional to top off your julep.

How to make a mint julep

  1. Muddle: Add the simple syrup and mint leaves to a rocks or highball glass. Muddle the leaves until they begin to break down.
  2. Finish: Fill the glass with crushed ice, then pour in the bourbon. Optional: Top the glass with soda water. Use a spoon to stir the cocktail gently to combine.
process shots showing how to make a mint julep

What type of bourbon can I use?

It really is up to personal preference when you’re making a mint julep. Since the bourbon will be taking up a majority of the liquid in your glass, you’ll want to choose a variety of bourbon you love to sip. Even rye or whiskey will work if that’s what floats your boat.

If you’d like to keep this recipe true to its roots and not risk upsetting the Drink Gods, use a good, smooth Kentucky bourbon.

How to muddle mint

If you don’t have a wooden muddler, there are some other options you can dig up in your kitchen.

  • The handle end of a wooden spoon
  • A pestle from a mortar and pestle, used gently in your glass to avoid damage
  • French rolling pin

Use gentle twisting motions to crush the mint. You’re just looking to release the flavors, not completely pulverize it. Just muddle until the syrup begins to turn green and the leaves start to break down.

If you are missing both crushed ice and a muddling tool, you can shake the cubes, bourbon, syrup, and full mint leaves well in a cocktail shaker. This will effectively crush your ice and muddle the mint. Pour the entire contents of the shaker into your glass- don’t strain.

side shot of 3 mint julep cups filled with mint julep, crushed ice and lots of fresh mint

How to serve a mint julep

As you see in the photos, this drink is typically served in mint julep cup or r rocks glass. If you’d prefer to have more room to top the drink off with soda water, use any size you’d like! Try it in a beer mug, I won’t mind.

This drink goes well with some classic southern fare. Give these recipes a try:

  • Buttermilk Fried Chicken
  • Baked Mac and Cheese
  • Fried Pickles
  • Butter Biscuits
  • Chicken and Dumplings
  • Instant Pot BBQ Pork Ribs
  • Perfect Pulled Pork

Check out these fantastic homemade cocktail recipes:

  • Whiskey Sour
  • Manhattan Drink
  • Mojito Recipe
  • Margarita
  • Americano
  • Aperol Spritz
  • Pomegranate Cider Mimosas
  • Moscow Mule

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side shot of 3 mint julep cups filled with mint julep, crushed ice and lots of fresh mint

Mint Julep

5 from 2 votes
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 1
Print Pin Rate
This Mint Julep recipe is made with just 3 ingredients stirred over crushed ice. There is no cocktail more refreshing and smooth featuring bourbon and lots of fresh mint!

Equipment

  • Mint Julep Cup
  • Cocktail Muddler

Ingredients

  • ¾ ounce simple syrup *
  • 8-10 mint leaves
  • 2 ounce bourbon
  • crushed ice
  • soda water optional
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Add the simple syrup and mint leaves to a rocks or highball glass. Muddle the leaves until they begin to break down.
  • Fill the glass with crushed ice, then pour in the bourbon.
  • Optional: Top the glass with soda water
  • Use a spoon to stir the cocktail gently to combine.

Recipe Notes

  1. *To make simple syrup, mix equal parts water and sugar in a sauce pan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool for at least 15 minutes before using.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 194kcal (10%)Carbohydrates: 17g (6%)Protein: 1g (2%)Fat: 1g (2%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Sodium: 15mg (1%)Potassium: 46mg (1%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 16g (18%)Vitamin A: 340IU (7%)Vitamin C: 3mg (4%)Calcium: 19mg (2%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Course:Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine:American
Keyword:mint julep
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 24

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Gerry says

    May 23, 2020 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    I guess you saw the news today, I need a double right now

    Reply

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Joanna Cismaru

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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