I remember the first time I tasted a real Mint Julep. It was late May, the kind of humid Kentucky afternoon where the porch becomes your world. The glass was sweating, filled with crushed ice and crowned with a mint bouquet so fragrant it felt like a breath of fresh air. The first sip was both bracing and mellow—cooling bourbon kissed with mint, sweet but bold. My grandmother called it “the gentleman’s iced tea,” and it’s stuck with me ever since.
This recipe for the Perfect Mint Julep is more than just a drink; it’s a rite of summer. Whether you’re watching the Derby or lounging in the garden, this Southern classic delivers refreshment and refinement in every chilled sip.
What Is a Mint Julep?
A Mint Julep is a simple yet iconic cocktail traditionally made with bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice. Though it’s forever associated with the Kentucky Derby, its roots run much deeper, dating back to the 18th century as a medicinal tonic.
What sets a Mint Julep apart isn’t just the ingredients—but the ritual. From muddling the mint to gently layering the crushed ice, it’s a cocktail with rhythm and purpose.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
Cool and Refreshing: Ideal for beating summer heat
Simple Ingredients: No syrups or complex mixers
Elegant but Easy: A classic cocktail that feels luxurious
Perfect for Entertaining: A crowd-pleaser with major Southern charm
Ingredients for the Perfect Mint Julep
2 oz quality bourbon (choose something with a warm, smooth finish)
1 tsp sugar (or ½ oz simple syrup)
6–8 fresh mint leaves (plus a sprig for garnish)
Crushed ice (lots of it)
Optional: splash of water or soda (if preferred)
The Best Bourbon for a Mint Julep
When it comes to bourbon, choose mid-range to premium. You want something that balances well with mint and sweetness without being overly spicy. Here are a few great choices:
Woodford Reserve (official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby)
Maker’s Mark (smooth and sweet)
Buffalo Trace (complex and crowd-pleasing)
Old Forester (a nod to history)
Essential Tools
Julep cup (or a rocks glass)
Muddler or the back of a spoon
Bar spoon or stir stick
Crushed ice machine or mallet and towel
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Muddle the Mint
Place 6–8 mint leaves at the bottom of a chilled julep cup or rocks glass. Add the sugar (or simple syrup). Gently muddle—just enough to bruise the mint and release the oils, but not tear the leaves.
Step 2: Add the Bourbon
Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon over the mint mixture. Stir to combine and slightly dissolve the sugar.
Step 3: Pack with Crushed Ice
Fill the glass generously with crushed ice. You want a dome of ice above the rim—it helps chill and dilute the drink slowly.
Step 4: Stir Gently
Use a long spoon to stir until the outside of the glass frosts. This chills the drink and mixes the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with more crushed ice if needed. Slap a mint sprig between your hands to release the aroma and tuck it into the ice. Serve with a straw, and enjoy immediately.
Tips for a Truly Perfect Julep
1. Don’t Over-Muddle
Tearing mint can release bitterness. Just press gently to release essential oils.
2. Use Crushed Ice
Not cubes—crushed ice creates dilution and that frosty, slushy texture that makes a julep unforgettable.
3. Chill Everything
Pre-chill your glass and bourbon if possible. A frosted cup is part of the julep experience.
4. Sweeten to Taste
Some prefer a less sweet julep. Start with less sugar, and adjust after your first stir and sip.
Serving Suggestions: Make It an Experience
Serve in traditional silver or pewter julep cups
Pair with pimento cheese dip, fried chicken sliders, or buttermilk biscuits
Set up a DIY julep bar at summer parties with mint, bourbon, ice, and mix-ins
Flavor Variations
1. Peach Julep
Add a splash of peach schnapps or muddled peaches with mint.
2. Blackberry Mint Julep
Muddle fresh blackberries with mint and sugar for a juicy twist.
3. Spiced Julep
Add a pinch of cinnamon or use spiced bourbon for a warm, aromatic note.
4. Tea-Infused Julep
Steep the bourbon with Earl Grey or mint tea bags for a subtle infusion.
Health Notes on Mint and Bourbon
Mint Benefits:
Aids digestion
Freshens breath naturally
Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
Bourbon in Moderation:
May offer antioxidants (ellagic acid from barrel aging)
Best enjoyed in moderation—1 drink a day for women, 2 for men as per guidelines
FAQs: All About Mint Juleps
Q: Can I use spearmint or peppermint?
Yes, but spearmint is traditional for its lighter flavor.
Q: Is a Mint Julep always served with bourbon?
Traditionally, yes. Though some recipes use brandy or rum for variation.
Q: How do I crush ice without a machine?
Wrap ice cubes in a clean towel and smash with a rolling pin or mallet.
Q: What’s the difference between a Mojito and a Mint Julep?
Mojitos are rum-based with lime and soda; juleps use bourbon, no citrus.
Perfect Mint Julep
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
A timeless Southern cocktail made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice—refreshing, aromatic, and perfect for warm-weather sipping or Derby Day celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 oz quality bourbon
- 1 tsp sugar (or ½ oz simple syrup)
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice (plenty)
- Optional: splash of water or soda
- Mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Place mint leaves and sugar (or syrup) in a chilled julep cup or rocks glass.
- Gently muddle the mint to release oils—avoid tearing.
- Add bourbon and stir to combine and dissolve sugar.
- Pack the glass tightly with crushed ice, forming a dome on top.
- Stir until glass is frosty and drink is well mixed.
- Top with more ice if needed, garnish with a slapped mint sprig, and serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
Use spearmint for traditional flavor and always use crushed ice—not cubes—for proper dilution and frost. Pre-chilling the glass and bourbon elevates the experience. Adjust sugar to your preferred sweetness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Muddled
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mint julep, bourbon cocktail, Kentucky Derby, summer drink, classic cocktail