The Mint Julep stands as a monument to Southern cocktail culture, a simple yet sophisticated blend of bourbon, sugar, water, and mint that has been refreshing palates for centuries. While most famous as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938, this cocktail’s appeal extends far beyond the racetrack.
Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
Cuisine: USADifficulty: Easy
Servings
1
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCalories
164
kcal
Cook Mode
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Ingredients
60 ml 2 fl oz Kentucky Bourbon
15 ml 1/2 fl oz Simple syrup
10 10 mint leaves
Crushed ice
Equipment
Metal julep cup
Muddler
Bar spoon
Jigger
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of your julep cup.
- Gently muddle the mint, pressing just enough to release the oils without shredding the leaves.
- Add the bourbon to the cup.
- Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice and stir until the cup becomes frosty on the outside.
- Add more crushed ice to form a mounded dome on top.
- Garnish with a generous mint sprig, placed beside the straw so its aroma meets your nose with each sip.
Notes
- The key to a perfect Mint Julep lies in gentle muddling. You want to release the mint oils without creating bitter flavors from the leaves.
