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Mint Juleps are the official minty bourbon drink of the Kentucky Derby. I know the Kentucky Derby was back in May, but I wanted to mix up a couple drinks with some of the last of the mint that we’ve grown this year.
I actually have never had a Mint Julep until now and discovered that I have been missing out on a wonderful cocktail. It is so refreshing on a hot day. A Mint Julep is similar to a Mojito, except that it doesn’t have lime in it, and Mint Juleps are made with bourbon, not rum.
Mint Juleps are typically served in a silver cup, just as it originally was back in the early 1800s. The cup allows ice to form on the outside of the cup, making it icy cold and refreshing on a hot day. When drinking a mint julep, it is proper to either hold the cup by the bottom band or top lip, so you don’t warm the cup while holding it.
Tip: If you’re not sure where to get a mint julep cup, I really like the ones I got on Amazon.
To make this drink, you’re going to need a muddler, mint julep cups, a bar spoon, fresh mint, simple syrup (I make my own), crushed ice, and a really good bourbon (this is really important!) If you don’t have crushed ice, you can use your muddler to crush some by placing the ice in a zip lock, covering it with a towel and whacking it until it’s crushed.
You can make your simple syrup up to 2 week ahead of time. It is equal parts sugar and water. Dissolve on the stovetop, then cool. Refrigerate when not using.
Before mixing the drink, be sure to place your mint julep cups in the freezer at least 10 minutes ahead of time.
How to Make a Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 4-5 mint leaves
- Mint sprig for garnish
- ½ ounce of simple syrup
- 2 ½ ounces of bourbon
- 10 ounces of crushed ice
Directions
- Place 4-5 mint leaves into a mint julep cup and muddle.
- Add bourbon and stir with a bar spoon.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice and gently stir with a bar mixing spoon until it becomes frosty.
- Garnish with a mint sprig with the straw tucked into the sprig.
Mint Juleps are meant to be sipped, so sip away and enjoy!!!
