Learn to make a mint julep with this simple recipe! The standard drink of the Kentucky Derby, this bourbon cocktail is fragrant and refreshing.
Have you ever ever tried a mint julep? In case you like contemporary mint (like me) or bourbon (like Jack), then you definitely 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 vital a practice because the horse race itself. The Kentucky Derby’s web site claims that followers eat 125,000 mint juleps on the Churchill Downs racetrack over the race weekend every year!
That stated, it doesn’t must be Derby Day so that you can take pleasure in a mint julep. This ice chilly cocktail is refreshing anytime, and it’s simple to make at house. Find out how with this traditional mint julep recipe!
Mint Julep Substances
Right here’s what you’ll must make this mint julep recipe:
- Contemporary mint, in fact! 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 house utilizing simply sugar and water! Find out how with this simple easy syrup recipe.
- Bourbon – One thing you need to learn about a mint julep: you may actually style the bourbon. There aren’t many different components right here to masks its taste! Select one that you simply’d prefer to sip by itself. Our favorites are Bulleit and Woodford Reserve.
- Crushed ice – Shaved ice works too, however I don’t advocate 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 gained’t have fairly the identical impact right here.
Discover the entire recipe with measurements under.
Learn how to Make a Mint Julep
Mint juleps are historically served in silver julep cups, however when you don’t have one, that’s okay! In a pinch, a rocks glass works too.
- Begin by muddling the mint with somewhat easy syrup on the backside of the cup. You solely must muddle it frivolously to launch its aromatic oils. In case you 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 surface.
- Style and regulate. My #1 tip for making cocktails at house! In case you 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 typically add an additional splash of easy syrup to make it a bit sweeter. In case you discover the drink too sturdy, understand 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: Evenly slap the mint earlier than you stick it within the drink. It will launch its refreshing scent.
Take pleasure in!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements under.
Extra Favourite Cocktail Recipes
In case you love this recipe, strive certainly one of these simple cocktails subsequent:
Mint Julep
Serves 1
Whether or not you make this mint julep recipe for a Kentucky Derby occasion or one other event, it is certain to be a success! 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
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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 surface. 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.
