Classic Mint Julep

Throwing a Kentucky Derby party? Learn how to create a classic Mint Julep!

Serve this classic southern cocktail in silver mint Julep cups.

My friends the Jolly's throw a spectacular Derby party every year! And every year, I look forward to sipping refreshing Mint Juleps. This southern cocktail's cool, minty-sweetness is one of my favorite springtime beverages!

History of the Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a bourbon cocktail best known for being the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. This classic cocktail was created in the southern United States during the 18th century and is still a favorite today. 

Julep Options

Mint Juleps are traditionally made with a mint flavored simple syrup. This syrup is easy to make at home but needs to be prepared in advance. But sometimes you don't have the opportunity to create this concoction in advance. With that in mind, there are two ways to make this classic drink!

Making Mint Juleps can be a slow southern process or a quick cocktail to whip up depending on how much time you have!

Classic Mint Julep Recipe: Quick Cocktail

Ingredients:

1 Teaspoon Sugar

2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

2 Teaspoons Water

4-8 Mint Leaves + 1 Sprig for Garnish

Directions:

In a silver Julep cup or highball glass, gently muddle the mint leaves, sugar, and water.

Fill the glass with crushed ice, add Bourbon, and stir well. 

Garnish with a mint sprig. Enjoy!

Classic Mint Julep Recipe: Slow Southern Style

Ingredients:

2 cups water

2 cups white powdered sugar

1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves

32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon

8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions:

Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves.

Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's preference for alcohol and sweetness).

Tips for Preparing the Best Cocktail

• Swab the sides of the glass with mint.

• Used crushed ice.

• Any spearmint will yield and excellent beverage, but if you can, use Kentucky Colonel mint leaves.

• Muddling the mint in the bottom of the glass helps release the oils in the herb, yielding a more flavorful cocktail. No muddler in your kitchen? Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick.

• Styling Tips: Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw. Trim straws to just barely protrude from the top of the cups. Serve juleps on a silver platter.