Mint Julep
A mint julep is a simple bourbon cocktail built right in the glass with fresh mint, a little sugar, and plenty of crushed ice. It is crisp, cold, and easy to make when you treat the mint gently.
Total
5 min
Servings
1 drink
Level
Easy
The mint julep is closely tied to the American South and is especially famous around the Kentucky Derby. You do not need a silver cup to make one at home, though a metal cup does help the drink get extra frosty.
At its heart, this drink is just bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice. The key is to muddle the mint lightly. Muddling means pressing it to release its oils, not grinding it into bits.
This is an alcoholic cocktail. It is intended for adults of legal drinking age.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
5 items · 1 drink
- 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 mint sprig for garnish
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Crushed ice, enough to fill the glass
- Optional: 1 to 2 dashes Angostura bitters
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the cup
Place a julep cup, rocks glass, or small tumbler in the freezer for a few minutes if you have time. A cold glass helps the crushed ice stay firm and gives the drink its frosty feel.
2. Wake up the mint
Hold the mint leaves in one hand and give them a light clap with your other hand. This bruises the leaves just enough to release their aroma without tearing them.
3. Add syrup and mint
Put the mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of the chilled glass. Simple syrup is sugar dissolved in water, so it blends into cold drinks more easily than granulated sugar.
4. Muddle gently
Use a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon to press the mint 3 to 5 times. Stop as soon as you smell the mint. Do not crush it hard, or the drink can taste grassy or bitter.
5. Pour in the bourbon
Add the bourbon to the glass. If you like a slightly spiced, aromatic finish, add 1 or 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, though this is optional and not part of every classic version.
6. Pack with crushed ice
Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice and stir for about 10 seconds. Add more crushed ice until the glass is full and mounded slightly on top.
7. Stir until frosty
Stir again until the outside of the cup or glass feels very cold. In a metal julep cup, you may see frost form on the outside.
8. Garnish and serve
Tuck a fresh mint sprig into the ice. Serve right away with a short straw, placing the straw near the mint so the aroma comes through as you sip.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: You can make or buy simple syrup ahead of time. To make it, stir equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved, then cool before using.
- Storage: Simple syrup keeps in a clean jar in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. The finished cocktail should be made just before serving because the crushed ice melts quickly.
- Mint swap: Spearmint is the usual choice. Peppermint can taste stronger and sharper, so use a little less if that is what you have.
- Bourbon choice: Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking. A higher-proof bourbon will stand up well to the ice, but any decent bourbon works.
- No crushed ice: Put ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel and tap them with a rolling pin or heavy pan. You want small pieces, not snow.
- Too sweet or too strong: Adjust the simple syrup by 1/4 ounce at a time. If the drink tastes too strong, stir it a little longer with the ice to dilute it slightly.
Cook's note
A traditional mint julep is often served in a silver or pewter cup, but a sturdy rocks glass works well at home. The drink is simple, so fresh mint and plenty of ice make a noticeable difference.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make a mint julep without a muddler?
Yes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar blunt tool. Press the mint lightly against the glass just a few times to release the oils.
Can I use sugar instead of simple syrup?
You can, but it may not dissolve fully in the cold drink. If using sugar, add 1 to 2 teaspoons with the mint and muddle until the sugar looks mostly dissolved before adding bourbon.
What is the difference between a mint julep and a mojito?
A mint julep is made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice. A mojito is made with rum, mint, lime, sugar, and usually soda water. The julep is richer and spirit-forward, while a mojito is lighter and citrusy.
Can I batch mint juleps for a party?
You can mix the bourbon and simple syrup ahead, but do not add mint or ice until serving. For each drink, use 2 ounces bourbon and 1/2 ounce simple syrup, then muddle fresh mint in each glass and add crushed ice.
Why does my mint julep taste bitter?
The mint was probably muddled too hard or for too long. Mint leaves release pleasant oils when gently pressed, but the stems and torn leaves can add bitter, grassy flavors.
05Keep cooking
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