Easy Mint Julep Cocktail

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The Mint Julep is the classic bourbon cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. It is very easy to make and a sophisticated cocktail to add to your bar menu!

Mint julep in glass with green and white striped straw and mint sprig garnish

Happy Wednesday y'all, today we're talking all about the Mint Julep! This classic bourbon cocktail is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby horse race held each spring.

I recently decided to start hosting a Derby party of my own, right here at home, and obviously, you can't have a Derby party without a classic Mint Julep cocktail! (Or this Kentucky Derby Pie!)

I have to admit, while I am a huge bourbon fan I had been neglecting it in my cocktail repertoire until recently. Then one evening my husband was joking around with me about a bartending class he took in college and made me an Old Fashioned cocktail to prove his point and I was instantly reminded how much I love a nice bourbon cocktail.

It didn't take long for me to raid my garden for some mint leaves and whip up this easy Mint Julep cocktail to enjoy on a warm spring evening on the back porch!

close up of mint julep in a clear glass with mint garnish

Ingredients

bourbon whiskey
seltzer
mint leaves
ultra-fine sugar

Step by step

Muddle the mint leaves and sugar together in a shaker until the leaves break down.
Add bourbon and shake, shake, shake!
Strain into a julep cup or an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
Top off with seltzer and stir.

FAQs

What is the best bourbon for mint juleps?

Right now I'm making this with Woodford Reserve Kentucky bourbon but Knob Creek and Maker's Mark are two other favorites of mine lately.

What kind of glass do you serve these in?

Mint juleps are traditionally served in silver julep glasses. You can find some here. (affiliate link)

What kind of mint is best for juleps?

Spearmint is the favored mint for mint juleps but any variety will do.

What about the ice?

Traditional mint juleps are served over finely crushed ice. If you do not have crushed ice you can crush it yourself with a tenderizer or simply pour over ice cubes.

What is the difference between a mint julep and a mojito?

While both are prepared with muddled mint, a julep uses bourbon while a mojito uses rum and adds lime as well.

Can I use granulated sugar if I don't have ultra-fine?

You can use regular sugar but you may find the drink grainy if it doesn't fully dissolve. You can also substitute simple syrup instead.

What if I don't have a muddler?

If you don't have a muddler (a pestle for bartending) simply use a wooden spoon or the back of an ice cream scoop to crush the mint leaves.

Do you enjoy a mint julep? I don't know why we don't drink them more, especially this time of year!

Mint Julep Recipe

★★★★★ 5 from 1 review

Author: Melissa Riker
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: none
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

The Mint Julep is the classic bourbon cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. It is very easy to make and a sophisticated cocktail to add to your bar menu when entertaining!

Ingredients

Units Scale

6 mint leaves plus sprig for garnish
1.5 teaspoons fine sugar (or 1 teaspoon low carb agave syrup)
splash soda water
2.5 ounces Kentucky Bourbon

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Instructions

In a cocktail shaker muddle (crush) mint leaves and sugar together until leaves start to break down. Add bourbon and shake well. Strain into a mint julep cup or old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of soda water, stir and garnish with additional mint if desired.