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.