Classic Mint Julep Recipe
Make an authentic Mint Julep, the perfect bourbon recipe for your next spring cocktail gathering. This guide focuses on proper mint muddling and using crushed ice for the traditional frosted look.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirring
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz quality bourbon
- 1/4 oz simple syrup (or 2 tsp granulated sugar)
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves and simple syrup (or sugar) into a Julep cup or a sturdy highball glass.
- Gently press (muddle) the mint leaves 3 to 4 times with a muddler. You want to release the oils, not shred the leaves.
- Add the bourbon to the cup.
- Fill the cup about three-quarters full with crushed ice.
- Stir the mixture briskly with a bar spoon until the outside of the cup begins to frost. This chills the drink thoroughly.
- Top the drink with more crushed ice to create a dome shape above the rim.
- Garnish with a large, fresh sprig of mint inserted near the straw so the aroma hits your nose with every sip.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use a high-quality bourbon. This is key to a great Kentucky Derby drink.
- If using granulated sugar instead of simple syrup, muddle it with the mint and a tiny splash of water to help it dissolve before adding the bourbon.
- Always use crushed ice; it melts slightly faster, which dilutes the drink perfectly and creates the necessary frost on the metal cup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 1
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0