Learn how to make a mint julep with this easy recipe! The official drink of the Kentucky Derby, this bourbon cocktail is aromatic and refreshing.
This classic mint julep recipe calls for four simple ingredients: Kentucky bourbon, simple syrup, crushed ice, and fresh mint. Topped off with a mint sprig for garnish, it’s incredibly cooling and refreshing.
The mint julep is most famous for being the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby. (According to the official website, fans consume 125,000 mint juleps at Churchill Downs over the race weekend each year!)
But if you ask Jack and me, you can enjoy a mint julep anytime during the spring and summer. This ice cold cocktail hits the spot on a hot day, and it’s easy to make at home. Learn how with this 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. Make your own using just sugar and water! Learn how with this easy simple syrup recipe.
- Bourbon – You can really taste the bourbon in this recipe, so choose one that you’d like to sip on its own. Our favorites are Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve.
- Crushed ice – Shaved ice works too, but I don’t recommend using larger ice cubes. The finer crushed or shaved ice balances the cocktail as it melts, diluting the whiskey. Because bigger cubes melt more slowly, they won’t have quite the same effect here.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
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 or highball glass works too.
- Start by lightly muddling the mint with a little simple syrup at the bottom of the cup. Be careful not to bruise or grind the mint leaves too much. If you do, 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. 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.
Enjoy!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Recipe Variation
For a stronger mint flavor, make mint simple syrup. Add a large sprig of mint to homemade simple syrup right after you take it off the heat. Let steep for 20 minutes, then strain out the mint before using or transferring to the fridge to chill.
More Favorite Cocktail Recipes
If you love this recipe, try one of these easy cocktails next:
Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 8 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- ¼ to ½ ounce Simple Syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- In a julep cup, muddle the mint leaves in ¼ ounce simple syrup. Add the bourbon and fill the cup with crushed ice.
- Stir until the cup becomes frosted on the outside. Taste, adding more simple syrup for a sweeter drink.
- Top with more crushed ice to create a dome and garnish with more mint.
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I’m in! Little early in the week but am saving this for later in the week, I didn’t remember how few ingredients there are in a mint julep, so like that too, thank you
I’ve always loved a classic mint julep and your recipe certainly is that. But years ago, I made a slight alteration and it’s my standard now.
When I make the simple syrup, I infuse it with a ton (maybe not quite a ton…but a lot) of fresh lemon! I use slices of fresh lemon and lemon zest.
Try it-I don’t think you’ll be disappointed ?
Hi Jeanine, thanks for all the great recipes. Is there a specific kind of mint that is best? It seems the one growing all over my yard is apple mint. Thanks.
Great cocktail and miss easy to make with the mint simple syrup.
Refreshing and delightful! The mint simple syrup and hint of lemon really made it. Next time I’ll use a little less lemon juice, but I really liked the zing it gave the drink. Thanks!
How much lemon juice did you use in your cocktail? Does each cocktail have 2 oz od bourbon? thanks
Hi Anne, I just squeezed a wedge. You can add more or less, to taste. Yes, each has 2 ounces of bourbon.
These mint juleps look so refreshing! 🙂
I have fresh mint I need to use, these look delicious and refreshing. Thanks!
yes, just yes, and just in time, thank you!