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    Home » Drinks

    The Original Mint Julep Recipe

    Last Updated: May 4, 2022 By: Chef Christina

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    The mint julep is the poster child cocktail for the annual Kentucky Derby horse races. And the infamous bourbon drink is incredibly simple to stir up. Many clever variations exist from many an inventive bartender. But like the favorite horse, the original mint julep recipe is stiff competition... in the form of a very stiff drink!

    Three copper mugs with mint julep cocktails garnished with sprigs of fresh mint, next to sugar cubes scattered on a green surface.
    Jump to:
    • The Story
    • Buying Bourbon
    • The Ingredients
    • The Glass
    • The Ratio
    • Mint Julep Formula
    • The Method
    • Virgin Mint Julep
    • Dietary Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Epilogue
    • 📖 Recipe
    • More Cocktails
    • 💬 Reviews

    The Story

    By the end of the Kentucky Derby each year, nearly 120,000 mint juleps will flow down the hatches of spectators at Churchill Downs. That's a lot of juleps. Especially when you consider the bourbon content.

    Mint julep in a copper mug next to sugar cubes and mini bottles of bourbon.

    One drink serves up two ounces of Kentucky bourbon, so we're talking almost 2,000 gallons of Kentucky bourbon inebriating spectators at Churchill Downs alone. Forget the countless derby parties hosted by horse racing fans elsewhere. Might be time to buy stock in good ol' Jim.

    Buying Bourbon

    It appears from a variety of highly reputable internet sources (basically, Google) that the julep was born to ease the burn of early American bourbon. Apparently, the stuff was pretty offensive. So the first Americans tempered the blow by splashing in sugar syrup.

    Typical America. But anymore. Now Jim Beam and his friends along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, are long-aged in burnished barrels and appreciated for their finer nuances. Like a fine scotch, bourbon is a delicacy to be sipped straight or on the rocks. And on derby day, with a splash of sugar and a muddling of fresh mint.

    A bottle of Four Roses Kentucky bourbon on a black background next to copper mug with a mint julep cocktail.

    The first step in securing a decent bourbon is to well, buy a real bourbon. This list of distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a great reference. Bulleit is my favorite bourbon for a mint julep because of its bold spice notes and long, dry finish. But good ol' James makes a delicious drink, too. Four Roses is a gentler soul with more floral notes, hence its name. But its palate feels are crisp enough to stand up to a bit of simple syrup. Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon served at Churchill Downs.

    Small bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon on white counter next to fresh mint leaves.

    Bonded Bourbon

    For a true throwback to the original julep, look for a bourbon that's 90-proof or higher. Bonded Bourbon, a certification for 100-proof bourbon oak-aged for four years, would be the ultimate in authenticity. Old Forester comes to mind. But even a 90-proof Maker's Mark will stand up to the melting ice quite nicely.

    For you wine lovers, it's akin to a single vineyard bottling of your favorite grape. Bourbon labeled as "bonded" is a sign of talent and care on behalf of the producer. And like a fine wine, the best bourbons bring a sense of terroir to your tongue. Their flavors speak of where the grains grew. And the story behind the aging barrels. But seriously, if you'd rather save your money for online betting, any Kentucky bourbon is fair game.

    The Ingredients

    An authentic and classic mint julep is truly bourbon with a splash of syrup and fresh mint. The higher quality bourbon you can get your hands on, the more nuanced, smoky, floral, and intense the cocktail will be.

    Ingredients for a mint julep recipe on white countertop: flask containing bourbon, sugar cubes, small pitcher of simple syrup and fresh mint.
    • Bonded Kentucky bourbon
    • Simple syrup or sugar cubes
    • Fresh mint, spearmint if you can find it
    • Crushed ice

    Making Simple Syrup

    Simple syrup is equal parts granulated sugar and water brought to a boil, then cooled. You can certainly find simple syrup for sale wherever you buy your booze. But many of the bottled brands contain corn syrup and other imposters. For purity's sake, make your own.

    • Sugar and water combined in a pot with a white spatula resting inside.
    • Close up of sugar and water boiling in a pot.
    • Fresh mint steeping in boiled simple syrup in a silver pot.

    To infuse mint flavor into your simple syrup, place fresh mint leaves in the boiled syrup, and cool. Remove and discard the mint before chilling the syrup.

    Homemade Crushed Ice

    Many modern homes are complete with a freezer dispenser that spits out crushed ice in a hot minute. But if you aren't an owner of such luxury, and don't feel like a trip to the store, a food processor or blender can save your julep.

    • Looking down on ice cubes filling a food processor bowl.
    • Looking down on crushed ice in a food processor bowl

    Simply grind a nice helping of ice cubes in a food processor or blender. Freezing the pitcher or processor bowl and blade will help the ice melt slower. Fill the processor bowl almost all the way to the top for the best results. The more ice in the bowl, the longer it'll all keep nice and chilly.

    The Glass

    The iconic cocktail of derby fame is traditionally served in silver or pewter cups with or without a handle. This drink is so self-important it has a cup of its own name.

    Three copper Moscow mule mugs next to two old-fashioned glasses on green placemat next to fresh mint.

    If you don't have or don't want or don't have time to find a julep cup, any high ball glass, old-fashioned glass, or Moscow mule mug is a friendly vessel. A stemless wine glass works, too.

    The Ratio

    Careful measuring of the liquor, liqueurs, and mixers in a cocktail is what separates a great bartender from a mediocre one. Cocktails are all about balance. And precision is what leads to that ordering a second round, or the check.

    The ingredients for this minty, oaky cocktail are few. So putting your measuring spoons or jigger to work is important. I came across a recipe for a classic mint julep while reading a book about cocktails at the CIA (Culinary Institute, not Central Intelligence). We chefs are trained in spirits, too.

    Looking at a page in a cocktail book with a recipe for Mint Julep.

    This formula is an adaptation of my library find that is easy to measure out with a standard cocktail jigger. If all you have lying around the kitchen is a set of measuring spoons, those work, too. Two tablespoons equal one fluid ounce or a single shot.

    Mint Julep Formula

    2 ounces bourbon + 1 ounce simple syrup + 2-3 springs of mint

    For more of a punch, dial down the syrup or measure an additional half of a shot of bourbon. Deviate too far in either direction, though, and you'll end up sipping straight bourbon. Or a strong dose of minty sugar. But your glass, your the boss.

    The Method

    The key step in creating a fresh, minty cocktail is to gently crush, or muddle, the mint leaves with the syrup. This will release volatile oils from the mint, which in turn will lend the cocktail its signature essence.

    1. Pluck the mint leaves off of one sprig and place them in the bottom of your glass. Pour in the simple syrup or a couple of sugar cubes.
    2. Crush, or muddle the leaves and sugar with a pestle or cocktail muddler. Or just the back of a spoon.
    3. Add the bourbon to the glass, and fill it with crushed ice.
    4. Stir the cocktail until the glass frosts over.
    5. Garnish with more fresh mint leaves or an entire sprig.
    • Looking down on fresh mint leaves in cocktail mug.
    • Pestel muddling mint leaves with simple syrup in cocktail mug.
    • Pouring bourbon from a cocktail jigger into a mug.
    • Looking down on copper Moscow mule mug with fresh mint, sugar syrup and bourbon in the bottom.
    • Filling a Moscow mule mug with crushed ice and stirring with a gold cocktail stirrer.
    • Looking down at a copper mug with a mint julep cocktail garnished with several leaves of fresh mint.

    Virgin Mint Julep

    For a mint julep sans bourbon, muddle the fresh mint leaves with sugar syrup or cubes. Then fill the glass almost to the top with crushed ice, and splash in club soda or your favorite sparkling water. Garnish the drink with fresh mint leaves.

    A virgin mint julep is basically a mint soda. But delicious for derby day or any other!

    Dietary Variations

    If you follow a healing diet or try to stay away from sugar, you can still enjoy a bit of bourbon while you scream at the television screen and lose money.

    Paleo and GAPS Diet. For a julep fit for a caveman or allowed while on the GAPS diet protocol, replace the simple syrup with half the amount in honey. That's all, folks!

    Keto or Low-Carb. Ditch the sugar entirely. Bruise the mint a little in the bottom of the glass, then proceed as usual. Be prepared for a slap in the face of smoky, oaky, spicy bourbon with a hint of spearmint!


    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between a mojito and a mint julep?

    While a mint julep is a cocktail of muddled fresh mint leaves and bourbon, a mojito is a rum-based drink. A classic mojito cocktail hails from Cuba and includes lime juice and sparkling water, along with muddled fresh mint.

    What kind of mint goes in a mint julep?

    Any fresh mint leaves can be used when crafting a mint julep. While many heirloom varieties of mint can be found or grown in your backyard garden, spearmint is the most common. When shopping for fresh mint at the grocery store, look for bright green, perky leaves without holes or any bruising.

    Why is bourbon only made in Kentucky?

    Bourbon can actually be made anywhere. Oregon, Colorado, and Texas distilleries craft small-batch bottles of bourbon whiskey that can compete with the best Kentucky bourbons. Kentucky is a great region for producing bourbon because the spirit is distilled from at least 51% corn mash. And corn grows great in the fertile soils of the Bluegrass State.


    Epilogue

    Every year I update my chosen horse. So for 2022, let's go Tawny Port! And as might be obvious, my chosen steed has nothing to do with odds or professional consenses. And whether or not you end up in the money, I hope you'll find yourself in the julep.


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    📖 Recipe

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    Three mint juleps in copper Moscow mule mugs on a green placement garnished with mint leaves.

    Original Mint Julep Recipe

    ★★★★★ 5 from 5 reviews
    • Author: Christina
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 5 minutes
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 1 Mint Julep 1x
    • Category: Drinks
    • Method: Stirred Cocktail
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Low Fat
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    A classic, authentic mint julep recipe to sip during the Kentucky Derby! To keep with tradition, choose a 100-proof, bonded bourbon. But if that's not in the cards for you, any Kentucky bourbon is delicious.

    To pump up the mint flavor, you can infuse your simple syrup with fresh spearmint. But a plain simple syrup or sugar cubes is the most authentic. 

    Classically, mint juleps are stirred one at a time in individual cups. The key is to stir until the glass frosts over. After all, May can get a bit balmy in Kentucky! 


    Ingredients

    Scale

    Mint Simple Syrup

    • 1 cup of water
    • 1 cup of granulated sugar
    • 4 or 5 sprigs of fresh mint, optional

    Mint Julep

    • Double shot/2 ounces/¼ cup of Kentucky bourbon
    • 1 shot/1 ounce/2 tablespoons of simple syrup (or two small sugar cubes)
    • 2-3 sprigs of fresh mint, leaves removed from one stem

    Instructions

    Mint Simple Syrup

    1. Combine all of the sugar and water in a small pot and bring to a boil. Stir the syrup and immediately remove the pot from the heat.
    2. Submerge the mint in the hot syrup, and cool to room temperature.
    3. Once cooled, remove the mint and store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. I like to keep the simple syrup in a squeeze bottle for quick and easy measuring.

    The Cocktail

    1. Pluck the mint leaves off of one sprig and place them in the bottom of your glass. Pour in the simple syrup or a couple of sugar cubes.
    2. Crush, or muddle the leaves and sugar with a pestle or cocktail muddler. Or just the back of a spoon.
    3. Add the bourbon to the glass, and fill it with crushed ice.
    4. Stir the cocktail until the glass frosts over.
    5. Garnish with more fresh mint leaves or an entire sprig. 

    Notes

    On choosing bourbon... For a true throwback to the original julep, look for a bourbon that's 90-proof or higher. Bonded Bourbon, a certification for 100-proof bourbon oak-aged for four years, would be the ultimate in authenticity. Old Forester comes to mind. But even a 90-proof Maker's Mark will stand up to the melting ice quite nicely. I recommend Bulleit and Four Roses, as both are craft bourbons, meet the requirements, and lend tasting notes that jive with mint.

    On serving glasses... The iconic cocktail of derby fame is traditionally served in silver or pewter cups with or without a handle. This drink is so self-important it has a cup of its own name. If you don't have or don't want or don't have time to find a julep cup, any high ball glass, old-fashioned glass, or Moscow mule mug is a friendly vessel. A stemless wine glass works, too.

    Virgin Mint Julep

    For a mint julep without bourbon, muddle the fresh mint leaves with sugar syrup or cubes. Then fill the glass almost to the top with crushed ice, and splash in club soda or your favorite sparkling water. Garnish the drink with fresh mint leaves.

    Dietary Variations

    Paleo and GAPS Diet. For a julep fit for a caveman or allowed while on the GAPS diet protocol, replace the simple syrup with half the amount in honey. That's all, folks!

    Keto or Low-Carb. Ditch the simple syrup. Gently crush the mint by itself, and proceed as usual. Be prepared for a slap in the face of smoky, oaky, spicy bourbon with a bit of a mint finish.

    Keywords: mint julep recipe, virgin mint julep, mint julep with less sugar, kentucky derby, bourbon cocktail

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @edibletimes on Instagram and hashtag it #edibletimes


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    Filed Under: Drinks, Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Sarah P.

      May 07, 2022 at 1:31 pm

      Just made a batch (delicious) and now am ready to watch the Derby!

      Reply
      • Christina

        May 08, 2022 at 9:26 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Lois

      May 05, 2022 at 7:06 pm

      Might of had one too many of these at the last Derby. They’re so delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Mathew Reinecke

      May 04, 2022 at 8:33 pm

      It’s amazing. A great drink for hanging out with friends and watching a sunset.

      Seriously. If you’re going to fall off the wagon this is a great way to take a flying leap off that wagon.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Kelly

      May 04, 2022 at 8:32 pm

      So good!! Can’t wait to enjoy these during the derby!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Christina

        May 04, 2022 at 10:34 pm

        Thanks, Kelly! Enjoy.:)

        Reply
    5. Dawn

      May 04, 2022 at 1:05 pm

      I was seriously just searching for the origin story of the mint julep for Kentucky Derby and hadn’t found it yet! You covered it all, and I’m thrilled to say we have the official bourbon ready to go in our pantry! Gorgeous photos. Perfect inspiration for a derby party!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Chad

      May 04, 2022 at 12:52 pm

      5/5. Would definitely make these again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Winnie

      May 07, 2012 at 7:13 am

      This looks so delicious. The photo really is great..Must try it when my mint is up!

      Reply
      • edibletimes

        May 07, 2012 at 9:15 pm

        Thanks. That's so great you can grow your own herbs & such!

        Reply

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    Chef Christina Bailey, Boise Private Chef, Creator of Edible Times

    I'm Christina, a classically trained, Michelin-star restaurant alum and private chef. And more importantly, Chef Mom to two little boys.
    I'm here to empower you in the kitchen. I share way more than delicious, chef-tested recipes. I explain the professional formulas, ratios, and techniques, too. To read about me and my food philosophy, follow this.



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