Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

Learn how to make a mint julep with this easy recipe! The traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, this bourbon cocktail is aromatic and refreshing.

Have you ever tried a mint julep? If you like fresh mint (like me) or bourbon (like Jack), then you absolutely should.

A mint julep is made with four simple ingredients: bourbon, simple syrup, crushed ice, and fresh mint.

The Mint Julep is a bourbon cocktail best known for being the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. But this refresher composed of bourbon, sugar, mint and crushed ice shouldn’t be reserved for only one day a year.

The Mint Julep gained prominence in the southern United States during the 18th century, and it first appeared in print in 1803 in John Davis’ book “Travels of Four and a Half Years in the United States of America.” He wrote that the Mint Julep is a “dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning.” An ice-cold whiskey drink is certainly one way to start your day.

Since its creation, the Mint Julep has remained popular, but the julep itself is actually a category of drinks featuring a spirit served over crushed ice. So, it comes in more varieties than only bourbon and mint, and it’s likely that the first juleps were made with cognac or even peach brandy. After the phylloxera epidemic of the mid-1800s, which infected France’s grapevines and temporarily hindered that counry’s cognac trade, whiskey became the julep’s go-to liquor.

The Mint Julep is traditionally served in a rocks glass or, ideally, in a silver julep cup. Since bourbon is the only liquid in the drink, you’ll want to use a high-quality bottle that you know you love. A slightly higher-proof bourbon—something in the mid-80s or around 90—will keep the crushed ice from diluting the cocktail too quickly.

This recipe comes from San Diego bartender Erick Castro. Try making it for yourself, and see how a few ingredients can combine for ultimate refreshment. Sure, the Mint Julep is typically consumed on Derby Day, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying one whenever the mood strikes.

Mint Julep cocktail with mint garnish in a copper cup — Tim Nusog

8 mint leaves
1/4 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces bourbon
Garnish: mint sprig
Garnish: Angostura bitters (optional)

In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup.
Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice.
Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside.
Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional).

Mint Sprig Garnish

Firmly slap the mint sprig on the back of your hand before garnishing; this releases the oils to make the mint more aromatic.

It’s the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, and it might be as important a tradition as the horse race itself. The Kentucky Derby’s website claims that fans consume 125,000 mint juleps at the Churchill Downs racetrack over the race weekend each year!

That said, it doesn’t have to be Derby Day for you to enjoy a mint julep. This ice cold cocktail is refreshing anytime, and it’s easy to make at home. Learn how with this classic mint julep recipe!

Mint Julep Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mint julep recipe:

Fresh mint, of course! You’ll muddle some leaves at the bottom of the cocktail and add more fresh mint sprigs for garnish.
Simple syrup – For sweetness. It’s simple (get it?) to make your own at home using just sugar and water! Learn how with this easy simple syrup recipe.
Bourbon – Something you should know about a mint julep: you can really taste the bourbon. There aren’t many other ingredients here to mask its flavor! Choose one that you’d like to sip on its own. Our favorites are Bulleit and Woodford Reserve.
Crushed ice – Shaved ice works too, but I don’t recommend using larger ice cubes. The finer crushed or shaved ice thoroughly chills the drink and gives it its classic frosty look. It also balances the cocktail as it melts, diluting the whiskey. Because bigger cubes will melt more slowly, they won’t have quite the same effect here.

How to Make a Mint Julep

Mint juleps are traditionally served in silver julep cups, but if you don’t have one, that’s ok! In a pinch, a rocks glass works too.

Start by muddling the mint with a little simple syrup at the bottom of the cup. You only need to muddle it lightly to release its fragrant oils. If you bruise or grind the mint leaves too much, their flavor can become bitter.
Top with the bourbon, and fill the cup with crushed ice. Stir the drink until the glass becomes frosted on the outside.
Taste and adjust. My #1 tip for making cocktails at home! If you don’t love your first sip of a drink, don’t hesitate to adjust the balance of flavors. When I make this mint julep recipe, for example, I often add an extra splash of simple syrup to make it a bit sweeter. If you find the drink too strong, keep in mind that the ice will dilute it as it melts.
Garnish and serve. Top your glass with more crushed ice to create a dome, and garnish with a sprig of mint. A tip from bartender Chris McMillian: Lightly slap the mint before you stick it in the drink. This will release its refreshing scent.