Mint Julep Recipe
This Mint Julep recipe is the quintessential bourbon cocktail for the Kentucky Derby. It’s straightforward to whip up and adds a dash of elegance to any bar menu!
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This classic bourbon cocktail is a staple of the Kentucky Derby each spring. I recently decided to host my own Kentucky Derby party at home, and a Mint Julep is a must-have, along with some Kentucky Derby Pie!
So, I grabbed some fresh mint sprigs from my garden and whipped up this refreshing cocktail for a lovely spring evening on the porch.
What is the difference between a mint julep and a mojito
Both cocktails feature muddled mint, but they differ in key ways. A Mint Julep is made with bourbon, giving it a rich, warming flavor, while a Mojito uses rum for a lighter, tropical touch. The Mojito also includes lime juice for a zesty kick, whereas the Mint Julep is sweetened with sugar and topped with seltzer.
Why I love this recipe
- I love how the mint makes each sip feel so cool and refreshing, making it perfect for those warm days when I just want to relax.
- With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip it up in no time—perfect for when I have friends over or just want a little treat for myself.
- I love serving it in a Julep cup. It adds a touch of elegance and makes me feel like I’m treating myself to something special.
Do you love cocktails? Treat yourself to the timeless Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail and the vibrant Red Ruby Cocktail!
Ingredients
- bourbon whiskey
- seltzer
- mint leaves
- ultra-fine sugar
Step by step
- First, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together in a shaker until the leaves break down. This really helps release that delicious minty flavor!
- Add the bourbon and shake it all up vigorously.
- Strain the mixture into a julep cup or an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. The colder, the better!
- Finally, top it off with some seltzer and give it a gentle stir.
Tips for best results
- Use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor and aroma.
- Choose a high-quality bourbon to enhance the drink’s richness.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar to your taste.
- Serve it ice-cold for the ultimate refreshing experience!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to mix it up, there are plenty of fun variations you can try! Muddle some fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries with the mint for a fruity twist.
For a different vibe, use rum or gin instead of bourbon, and play around with flavored seltzers to enhance the flavor!
Frequently asked questions
Right now I’m making this with Woodford Reserve Kentucky bourbon but Knob Creek and Maker’s Mark are two other favorites of mine.
Mint juleps are traditionally served in silver julep glasses. You can find some here. (affiliate link)
Spearmint is the favored mint for mint juleps but any variety will do.
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.
You can use regular sugar but you may find the drink grainy if it doesn’t fully dissolve. I recommend substituting simple syrup instead.
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.
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
Mint Julep Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
This Mint Julep recipe is the quintessential bourbon cocktail for the Kentucky Derby. It’s straightforward to whip up and adds a dash of elegance to any bar menu!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 mint leaves plus sprig for garnish
- 1.5 teaspoons fine sugar (or 1 teaspoon simple syrup or agave syrup)
- splash soda water
- 2.5 ounces Kentucky Bourbon
Instructions
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together until the leaves break down.
- Add bourbon and shake it all up vigorously.
- Strain into a julep cup or an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Top off with seltzer and stir.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 199
- Sugar: 6.4 g
- Sodium: 0.3 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.4 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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my favorite summer drink!