The Original Mint Julep 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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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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