Mint Julep Recipe & Ingredients (with Easy Step-by-Step Video) 

There are many ingredients that go into making the classic Mint Julep cocktail, but the most important ones are Bourbon, Sugar, Water, and Crushed or Shaved Ice.

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The Mint Julep is like the grand dame of bourbon cocktails – elegant, refreshing, and carrying more Southern charm than a Tennessee Williams play! Get ready to embrace your inner Southern belle/gentleman with this frosty cup of Kentucky sunshine! 🌿✨

Mint julep

Mint Julep

Recipe by Julian Solorzano
3.3 from 4 votes

The Mint Julep is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, featuring bourbon whiskey, fresh mint, sugar, and an abundance of crushed ice. It’s a deceptively simple cocktail that’s all about technique and presentation, served in its signature silver or copper julep cup, garnished with a generous bouquet of fresh mint.

Course: Julep CupCuisine: Pre-ProhibitionDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

servings
Calories

180

kcal
Total time

2

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2.5 Ounces Kentucky Bourbon

  • 0.5 Ounces Simple syrup

  • 8 -10Pieces Fresh mint leaves

  • 1 Sprig Fresh mint (for garnish)

  • Crushed ice

Directions

  • Gently muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in the bottom of a julep cup.
  • Add bourbon to the cup.
  • Pack the cup with crushed ice to the rim.
  • Stir until the cup frosts on the outside.
  • Top with more crushed ice to form a dome.
  • Garnish with a generous mint sprig.
  • Serve with a short straw.

Equipment

  • Photo43 1200 1 7ce32f48 6e4e 43be add5 36c8eeab738d 940x.A Bar Above Stainless Steel Long Bar Spoons (Gold)Buy this spoon here
  • A bar above natural hardwood extra long cocktail muddler.A Bar Above Natural Hardwood Extra Long Cocktail Muddler
  • A bar above beechwood hammer.A Bar Above Beechwood HammerBuy it here now
  • Lewis bag in natural a bar above.A Bar Above Lewis Bag In CanvasBuy it here
  • Assortment of julep cups.Stainless Steel Mint Julep Cups Set

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Never over-muddle the mint – gentle pressure releases oils without bitterness.
  • Pre-chill your julep cup in the freezer for maximum frost effect.

Why I Like It

There’s something magical about watching that julep cup frost over as you stir, like Mother Nature’s own air conditioning! The aroma of fresh mint mixing with rich bourbon is intoxicating before you even take a sip. On a hot summer day, nothing beats the slow sipping pleasure of a properly made Julep – it’s like a Southern front porch in a cup!

The Best Ingredients For a Mint Julep

  • Bourbon: Woodford Reserve ($35) is the official Derby choice, but Four Roses Single Barrel ($45) makes a stellar julep. Buffalo Trace ($30) is my go-to for its perfect balance of sweet and spice.
  • Mint: Fresh spearmint ONLY – look for bright green leaves without any brown spots.
  • Simple Syrup: Make your own (1:1 ratio) with pure cane sugar. Some traditionalists prefer powdered sugar or superfine sugar.
  • Ice: Must be crushed to a snow-like consistency. No substitutions!

A Brief History of the Mint Julep

The Julep’s story begins in the 18th century, when it was actually prescribed as medicine! The word “julep” comes from the Arabic “julab,” meaning rosewater.

By the 1800s, it had evolved into Kentucky’s signature bourbon cocktail, becoming synonymous with Southern hospitality and refined living.

In 1938, the Mint Julep became the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs serves around 120,000 Juleps during Derby weekend! They even have a $1,000 version served in a gold-plated cup with silver straws (fancy much?).

Traditionally, julep cups were held by their bottom and top edges only – the frost was considered too precious to mar with fingerprints. Some say you should even admire the frost on the cup before taking your first sip!

Mint julet with crushed ice.
Mint julet with crushed ice.

Final Thoughts

The Mint Julep is a classic American cocktail that proves simplicity, when executed perfectly, is the height of sophistication.

Whether you’re celebrating Derby Day or just looking to beat the heat with style, the Mint Julep is your ticket to Southern sophistication. Just remember – like any proper Southern greeting, this drink shouldn’t be rushed! 🌿✨

And hey, if anyone questions your dedication to properly crushed ice, just remember what they say in Kentucky – anything worth doing is worth doing right! 🏇🥃

So what do you think of the Mint Julep cocktail? Will you be trying this one out? Let us know in the comments below (we read and reply to every comment).

Jedain crimson cocktail 2.
Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

Hey there! 👋 I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old Cocktail enthusiast from Columbus, Ohio. I've fallen head over heels for the art of crafting cocktails, with a particular passion for anything whiskey-based. (Bourbon has captured my heart).

This blog documents my adventures in mixology (shakers, stirrers, and all). Follow along as I explore classic and contemporary cocktail recipes, share my favorite Bourbon discoveries, and chronicle my journey through the world of craft spirits and cocktail creation.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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2 comentario en “Mint Julep Recipe & Ingredients (with Easy Step-by-Step Video) <h2 class="post-excerpt">There are many ingredients that go into making the classic Mint Julep cocktail, but the most important ones are Bourbon, Sugar, Water, and Crushed or Shaved Ice.</h2>”

  1. I swear to god! This guy ruins almost every recipe I’ve seen??, someone pls. Stop him!!! You don’t shake a mint julep? You muddle and build it in a glass..I’ve had serious problems with this guys recipes in the past and he’s like a cancer to the bartending world!!!

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