This is the perfect mint julep recipe. Muddled mint, bourbon, and mint infused simple syrup are served over crushed ice creating a well-balanced co*cktail.
One of the first events J and I went to together was a Kentucky Derby event. Naturally, I was pleased as punch to put on a pretty dress and sip on bourbon co*cktails all day. This perfect mint julep recipe always takes me back to our sweet beginnings.
(post may contain affiliate links)
If there’s one thing to know about us is that we LOVE a good bourbon drink. An old fashioned or a Manhattan is J’s go-to, but we can both agree on how refreshing a mint julep is on a hot day.
Coming up with this recipe was actually a little harder than it seems. Because there are so few ingredients, it’s important to let them all shine. I also wanted to make sure the drink wasn’t too bourbon forward. Or too sweet!
But alas, my friends…I have prevailed! And I give you the most perfect mint julep recipe!
What’s in a mint julep?
A mint julep is just bourbon, mint and simple syrup muddled together and served over crushed ice.
What’s the secret to making it perfect?
There are a few secrets to making the best mint julep. Here’s what I found out:
- Making a mint simple syrup is the key to making the mint come through. All you have to do is add mint leaves to sugar and water on the stove and let it infuse.
- You have to use a lot of fresh mint when muddling. I found that at least 8 large mint leaves for each co*cktail was perfect. If you’ve got mint growing like crazy – this is the recipe for you!
- Crushed ice. Serving this over crushed ice is not only texturally pleasing, but it cuts the bourbon and sweetness of the sugar making the perfect consistency and flavor. If you don’t have crushed ice, add ice cubes to a bag and smash with a rolling pin or meat cleaver.
What do you need to make it right?
Mint julep glasses sure are fun! They aren’t entirely necessary, but there’s something about the pretty little goblets. You’ll want to use a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils in the mint. I also like to mix the mint, bourbon, and syrup together in a glass co*cktail pitcher before pouring into the glasses. Here’s the one we have and love – this makes a great gift.
Lastly, make sure you have some good bourbon on hand. We like Woodford Reserve, Bullit, Angels Envy, or Maker’s Mark!
Love bourbon co*cktails? You HAVE to try my Old Fashioned co*cktail or my Irish Mule. They’re delish!
Perfect Mint Julep Recipe
This is the perfect mint julep recipe. Muddled mint, bourbon, and mint infused simple syrup are served over crushed ice creating a well-balanced co*cktail.
- Author: Miss AK
- Prep Time: 10 minutes + 2 hours cooling time
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours cooling time)
- Yield: 1 co*cktail 1x
- Category: co*cktail
- Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
Scale
Ingredients
For the mint syrup (makes about 8oz or enough for about 16 (8oz) co*cktails)*
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup water
- 10 fresh mint leaves
For the mint julep
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz bourbon
- .5 oz mint simple syrup (or 1 Tbsp.)
- crushed ice
- mint for garnish – optional
Instructions
- To make the syrup, combine the sugar, water, and fresh mint in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Let the mixture come to an almost boil and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Just before it boils, remove from the heat and let it cool in the saucepan for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the syrup to a glass jar with a lid and let it cool in the refrigerator for a few hours until totally cool or cold. I like to leave the mint leaves in the syrup.
- To make the co*cktail, muddle the mint leaves well in the bottom of a glass co*cktail pitcher or large glass. Add the bourbon and mint syrup and muddle again.
- Add a handful of ice cubes to the pitcher and stir for 20-30 seconds*.
- Immediately pour the drink, straining out the muddled mint, into a julep glass or an 8oz. glass filled to the brim with crushed ice.
Notes
- The syrup should last in the fridge for a week or two
- If you don’t have crushed ice, add ice cubes to a bag and pound with a rolling pin or meat cleaver
- I love this post for learning the proper co*cktail stirring technique
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8oz.
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Never Miss a Recipe
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a
new recipe at MAK!
