This isn’t just a drink—it’s a Southern ritual with a wild side. Bold, icy, and laced with garden-fresh mint, the Mint Julep delivers that perfect storm of cool elegance and bourbon-kissed bite, ideal for lazy porch moments or chaotic backyard gatherings.
You muddle, you pour, you stir—and suddenly, your glass holds the weekend’s escape plan. It tastes addictive with our Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami and Cheese Bites —a little indulgent and totally satisfying.
This cocktail leans on tradition but invites improvisation: swap the simple syrup for a mint-infused one, or even play with flavored bourbons. It’s a classic, yes, but one that embraces a little creative chaos with open arms.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- The taste? Crisp, herbal, and strong in all the right ways—exactly the kind of chaos your weekend deserves.
- I first whipped this up for a Derby-themed brunch and ended up serving refills till sunset—something about that frosty metal cup just screams good times.
- It’s my go-to when guests drop by unannounced; a few mint leaves, some crushed ice, and suddenly I’m hosting with flair.
- I’ve tried it with peach-infused bourbon and even added a splash of ginger beer once—this drink wants you to experiment.
- It’s helped me cut back on sugary sodas while still feeling festive, especially when paired with a salty snack board.
Mint Julep Recipe
Cool, crisp, and steeped in Southern charm, this classic mint julep blends smooth bourbon with a refreshing homemade mint syrup. Served over crushed ice and crowned with a mint sprig, it’s a drink made for slow sips on warm afternoons or Derby Day celebrations.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- 8 Cocktail glasses
- Ice crusher or mallet and bag
Ingredients
Cocktails
- 32 fluid oz Kentucky bourbon
- 8 cups crushed ice or as needed
- 8 sprigs fresh mint for garnish
Mint Simple Syrup
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Start by making the mint syrup: combine water, sugar, and chopped mint in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Stir occasionally and continue cooking until the sugar is fully dissolved, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Take it off the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the mint leaves.
- To assemble the drinks, fill eight glasses generously with crushed ice.
- Pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup of the prepared mint syrup into each glass.
- Finish with a fresh mint sprig on top of every drink for garnish and aroma.
Notes
- Slap the mint sprigs gently between your hands before garnishing to release their oils and boost aroma.
- Use good-quality bourbon—its smoothness makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- For best presentation, serve in frosted silver or pewter cups to keep drinks extra cold.
- Crushing your ice finely creates the traditional julep texture and chills the drink faster.
| Calories | 473kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
