This is the perfect mint julep recipe. Muddled mint, bourbon, and mint infused simple syrup are served over crushed ice creating a well-balanced co*cktail.
One of the first events J and I went to together was a Kentucky Derby event. Naturally, I was pleased as punch to put on a pretty dress and sip on bourbon co*cktails all day. This perfect mint julep recipe always takes me back to our sweet beginnings.
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If there’s one thing to know about us is that we LOVE a good bourbon drink. An old fashioned or a Manhattan is J’s go-to, but we can both agree on how refreshing a mint julep is on a hot day.
Coming up with this recipe was actually a little harder than it seems. Because there are so few ingredients, it’s important to let them all shine. I also wanted to make sure the drink wasn’t too bourbon forward. Or too sweet!
But alas, my friends…I have prevailed! And I give you the most perfect mint julep recipe!
What’s in a mint julep?
A mint julep is just bourbon, mint and simple syrup muddled together and served over crushed ice.
What’s the secret to making it perfect?
There are a few secrets to making the best mint julep. Here’s what I found out:
Making a mint simple syrup is the key to making the mint come through. All you have to do is add mint leaves to sugar and water on the stove and let it infuse.
You have to use a lot of fresh mint when muddling. I found that at least 8 large mint leaves for each co*cktail was perfect. If you’ve got mint growing like crazy – this is the recipe for you!
Crushed ice. Serving this over crushed ice is not only texturally pleasing, but it cuts the bourbon and sweetness of the sugar making the perfect consistency and flavor. If you don’t have crushed ice, add ice cubes to a bag and smash with a rolling pin or meat cleaver.
What do you need to make it right?
Mint julep glasses sure are fun! They aren’t entirely necessary, but there’s something about the pretty little goblets. You’ll want to use a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils in the mint. I also like to mix the mint, bourbon, and syrup together in a glass co*cktail pitcher before pouring into the glasses. Here’s the one we have and love – this makes a great gift.
Lastly, make sure you have some good bourbon on hand. We like Woodford Reserve, Bullit, Angels Envy, or Maker’s Mark!
Love bourbon co*cktails? You HAVE to try my Old Fashioned co*cktail or my Irish Mule. They’re delish!
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Perfect Mint Julep Recipe
This is the perfect mint julep recipe. Muddled mint, bourbon, and mint infused simple syrup are served over crushed ice creating a well-balanced co*cktail.
For the mint syrup (makes about 8oz or enough for about 16 (8oz) co*cktails)*
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup water
10 fresh mint leaves
For the mint julep
8 fresh mint leaves
2 oz bourbon
.5 oz mint simple syrup (or 1 Tbsp.)
crushed ice
mint for garnish – optional
Instructions
To make the syrup, combine the sugar, water, and fresh mint in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Let the mixture come to an almost boil and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Just before it boils, remove from the heat and let it cool in the saucepan for 5 minutes.
Transfer the syrup to a glass jar with a lid and let it cool in the refrigerator for a few hours until totally cool or cold. I like to leave the mint leaves in the syrup.
To make the co*cktail, muddle the mint leaves well in the bottom of a glass co*cktail pitcher or large glass. Add the bourbon and mint syrup and muddle again.
Add a handful of ice cubes to the pitcher and stir for 20-30 seconds*.
Immediately pour the drink, straining out the muddled mint, into a julep glass or an 8oz. glass filled to the brim with crushed ice.
Notes
The syrup should last in the fridge for a week or two
If you don’t have crushed ice, add ice cubes to a bag and pound with a rolling pin or meat cleaver
I love this post for learning the proper co*cktail stirring technique
Nutrition
Serving Size:8oz.
Calories:215
Sugar:15 g
Sodium:2 mg
Fat:0 g
Saturated Fat:0 g
Unsaturated Fat:0 g
Trans Fat:0 g
Carbohydrates:18 g
Fiber:0 g
Protein:0 g
Cholesterol:0 mg
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The mint julep recipe features Woodford Reserve Bourbon and handmade chestnut liqueur, which honors Secretariat's chestnut coat, as well as mint and Virginia bluebell flowers to celebrate the state where Secretariat was born.
“People can get confused between the whiskey smash and the mint julep,” Lee says. “[The mint julep] is very spirit-forward, almost like an Old Fashioned. It's very strong.” She notes that a whiskey smash is similar, but includes a muddled lemon wedge for extra citrus flavor.
But if you want to try something different but stay in the family, try a non-mint herb like sage, basil or lavender, which can make an amazing fruit julep, she said.
For generations, Louisville insiders have enjoyed mint juleps made with Louisville's Hometown Bourbon™ – Old Forester. In honor of that grand tradition, we created the Old Forester Mint Julep, named the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Woodford Reserve is the official Kentucky Derby bourbon, so it's a no-brainer to bring to your party. But if you can find it, the Double Oaked is a great gift as well.
The $1,000 mint juleps are sold in specially crafted cups that feature red rubies in the shape of a horseshoe. Only 148 cups were made. Of them, 18 gold-plated ones cost $2,500 while 130 silver ones cost $1,000.
Because the crushed ice has more surface area than cubes of ice, it melts a bit more into the co*cktail over time, making the drink especially delicious. "That's one of the things that make mint juleps so refreshing, because otherwise it's just a straight spirits co*cktail," says Wachtel.
In a mint julep cup or rocks glass, gently muddle the mint, bitters and syrup. Add crushed ice and Jim Beam® Orange. Stir to combine topping with more ice as needed.
In short: Herb oils taste good and chlorophyll is not so great. Enter the smack. A smack accentuates the oils, whereas more violent action against the herb — like a muddle or a crush that can bruise and break leaves and stems — will release more of a chlorophyll aroma.
On top of a small glass of crushed ice, with a sprig of fresh mint, Old Forester Mint Julep is certainly a more palatable experience. The syrupy sweetness is cut down considerably, leaving a gentle amount of residual sugar and revealing some peachy, stone fruity notes from the bourbon.
Voisey says regular spearmint is fine for a julep, but do look for "smooth, bright green leaves, as these will be the most aromatic." Use peppermint at your own risk, however: According to McMillian, "the man who would put peppermint into a mint julep would put scorpions into a baby's bed." His method is to add a ...
Invest in the bourbon—It's best to choose one of the higher-end brands for the simple fact that bourbon is the drink's only liquid. Though it's sweetened and flavored, you'll primarily taste whiskey. Aromatherapy—Before garnishing with the mint sprig, gently clap it between your hands to release the aromatic oils.
Woodford Reserve has been the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby” since 1999 and the presenting sponsor for the past four years. The renewed partnership between Woodford and Churchill Downs will continue through 2027.
Some other great choices for this whiskey mule recipe are Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses. All of these are distilled in Kentucky, and are also delicious in a apple cider bourbon co*cktail.
Woodford Reserve is a really high quality sipping bourbon and an easy entry point for the whiskey newcomer. That's because the palate of this bourbon is sweet and soft, with just a bit of spice lingering in the background.
Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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