Learn to make a mint julep with this straightforward recipe! The normal drink of the Kentucky Derby, this bourbon cocktail is fragrant and refreshing.
Have you ever ever tried a mint julep? If you happen to like contemporary mint (like me) or bourbon (like Jack), then you definately completely ought to.
A mint julep is made with 4 easy components: bourbon, easy syrup, crushed ice, and contemporary mint.
It’s the standard drink of the Kentucky Derby, and it may be as essential a convention because the horse race itself. The Kentucky Derby’s web site claims that followers devour 125,000 mint juleps on the Churchill Downs racetrack over the race weekend annually!
That mentioned, it doesn’t need to be Derby Day so that you can take pleasure in a mint julep. This ice chilly cocktail is refreshing anytime, and it’s straightforward to make at dwelling. Find out how with this traditional mint julep recipe!
Mint Julep Components
Right here’s what you’ll must make this mint julep recipe:
- Contemporary mint, after all! You’ll muddle some leaves on the backside of the cocktail and add extra contemporary mint sprigs for garnish.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s easy (get it?) to make your individual at dwelling utilizing simply sugar and water! Find out how with this straightforward easy syrup recipe.
- Bourbon – One thing you need to find out about a mint julep: you’ll be able to actually style the bourbon. There aren’t many different components right here to masks its taste! Select one that you just’d prefer to sip by itself. Our favorites are Bulleit and Woodford Reserve.
- Crushed ice – Shaved ice works too, however I don’t suggest utilizing bigger ice cubes. The finer crushed or shaved ice totally chills the drink and provides it its traditional frosty look. It additionally balances the cocktail because it melts, diluting the whiskey. As a result of larger cubes will soften extra slowly, they received’t have fairly the identical impact right here.
Discover the entire recipe with measurements under.
The right way to Make a Mint Julep
Mint juleps are historically served in silver julep cups, however for those who don’t have one, that’s okay! In a pinch, a rocks glass works too.
- Begin by muddling the mint with a bit easy syrup on the backside of the cup. You solely must muddle it evenly to launch its aromatic oils. If you happen to bruise or grind the mint leaves an excessive amount of, their taste can grow to be bitter.
- High with the bourbon, and fill the cup with crushed ice. Stir the drink till the glass turns into frosted on the skin.
- Style and alter. My #1 tip for making cocktails at dwelling! If you happen to don’t love your first sip of a drink, don’t hesitate to regulate the stability of flavors. Once I make this mint julep recipe, for instance, I usually add an additional splash of straightforward syrup to make it a bit sweeter. If you happen to discover the drink too robust, remember that the ice will dilute it because it melts.
- Garnish and serve. High your mint julep with extra crushed ice to create a dome, and garnish with a sprig of mint. A tip from bartender Chris McMillian: Calmly slap the mint earlier than you stick it within the drink. This may launch its refreshing scent.
Get pleasure from!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements under.
Extra Favourite Cocktail Recipes
If you happen to love this recipe, strive one in every of these straightforward cocktails subsequent:
Mint Julep
Serves 1
Whether or not you make this mint julep recipe for a Kentucky Derby celebration or one other event, it is sure to be successful! This traditional bourbon cocktail is fragrant and refreshing.
- 8 contemporary mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ to ½ ounce Easy Syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Crushed ice
Forestall your display screen from going darkish
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In a julep cup, muddle the mint leaves in ¼ ounce easy syrup. Add the bourbon and fill the cup with crushed ice.
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Stir till the cup turns into frosted on the skin. Style, including extra easy syrup for a sweeter drink.
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High with extra crushed ice to create a dome and garnish with extra mint.
