Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love making a mint julep because I only need a handful of ingredients, yet the finished cocktail has plenty of character. Fresh mint provides a bright herbal aroma, bourbon brings warmth and depth, and crushed ice keeps the drink exceptionally cold.

I also like how easily I can adjust it. I can use less syrup for a drier cocktail, add a little more for sweetness, or experiment with different bourbons to change the overall flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 ounces bourbon
1/2 ounce simple syrup
8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
2 to 3 fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

For Homemade Simple Syrup

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water

Directions

1. Make the Simple Syrup

If I am making my own simple syrup, I combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan.

I warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. I remove it from the heat and let it cool before making the cocktail.

2. Prepare the Mint

I place the fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup or sturdy rocks glass.

I add the simple syrup and gently press the mint with a muddler or the back of a spoon. I only press it enough to release its aroma rather than aggressively crushing or tearing the leaves.

3. Add the Bourbon

I pour the bourbon over the mint and syrup.

I give everything a quick stir so the bourbon and syrup are evenly combined.

4. Add the Crushed Ice

I fill the glass generously with crushed ice, creating a mound above the rim.

I find that using plenty of crushed ice is important because dilution is part of what makes a mint julep refreshing and balanced.

5. Stir

I stir the cocktail until the outside of the cup or glass becomes very cold.

If the ice settles while I stir, I add another scoop of crushed ice to create a full, frosty presentation.

6. Garnish and Serve

I lightly clap the mint sprigs between my hands to release their aroma and tuck them into the crushed ice.

I serve the mint julep immediately while it is exceptionally cold.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 1 cocktail.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Total time: approximately 5 to 7 minutes
Servings: 1
Serving size: 1 cocktail

Variations

For a less-sweet mint julep, I reduce the simple syrup to about 1/4 ounce. I can always add a little more after tasting.

For a maple mint julep, I replace the simple syrup with a small amount of pure maple syrup. I like the deeper sweetness it brings to the bourbon.

For a peach mint julep, I gently muddle a few slices of ripe peach with the mint and syrup before adding the bourbon.

For a blackberry mint julep, I muddle two or three blackberries with the mint. This gives me a fruity variation with a beautiful color.

For a non-alcoholic mint julep-inspired drink, I omit the bourbon and combine fresh mint and simple syrup with chilled ginger ale or sparkling water. I serve it over plenty of crushed ice for the same refreshing presentation.

Storage/Reheating

I always make my mint julep immediately before serving. Once the cocktail is combined with crushed ice, the ice begins melting and diluting the drink, so it is not well suited to storage.

I can prepare the simple syrup ahead of time and store it in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about 2 weeks.

I keep fresh mint refrigerated until I am ready to make the cocktail. I prefer using vibrant, unwilted sprigs because the garnish contributes significantly to the aroma.

I do not reheat a mint julep. I serve it very cold over freshly crushed ice.

FAQs

What is a traditional mint julep made with?

I make a traditional-style mint julep with bourbon, fresh mint, sugar or simple syrup, and crushed ice. The ingredient list is short, so I find that fresh mint and a bourbon I enjoy make a noticeable difference.

What is the best bourbon for a mint julep?

I prefer a bourbon with enough character to remain noticeable after the cocktail is diluted by crushed ice. A balanced bourbon with vanilla, caramel, oak, and warm spice notes works particularly well for me.

Should I muddle the mint in a mint julep?

I gently press the mint rather than aggressively muddling it. I want to release its fragrant oils without shredding the leaves, which can introduce harsher vegetal flavors.

Why does a mint julep use so much crushed ice?

I use plenty of crushed ice because it rapidly chills the cocktail and provides controlled dilution as I drink it. It also creates the characteristic frosty presentation associated with a mint julep.

Can I make mint juleps ahead of time?

I can prepare the simple syrup ahead, but I assemble each cocktail shortly before serving. I wait to add the crushed ice and mint garnish until the last minute so I get the freshest aroma and coldest drink.

Conclusion

A mint julep is a simple cocktail that lets me combine the warmth of bourbon with fresh, cooling mint and just enough sweetness. With plenty of crushed ice, the ingredients come together in a cold and aromatic drink that is especially refreshing in warm weather.

How to Make a Mint Julep

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A classic mint julep combines warm bourbon, fragrant fresh mint, simple syrup, and plenty of crushed ice for a refreshing, aromatic cocktail. It is easy to mix and can be adjusted from dry to sweet to suit your taste.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Cocktail
Method: Muddle and Stir
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon
1/2 ounce simple syrup
8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
2 to 3 fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
1/2 cup granulated sugar, for homemade simple syrup
1/2 cup water, for homemade simple syrup

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Instructions

To make homemade simple syrup, combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, then remove from the heat and cool before using.
Place the mint leaves in a julep cup or sturdy rocks glass. Add the simple syrup and gently press the mint with a muddler or the back of a spoon just enough to release its aroma without shredding the leaves.
Pour in the bourbon and stir briefly to combine it with the syrup and mint.
Generously fill the glass with crushed ice, creating a mound above the rim.
Stir until the outside of the cup or glass becomes very cold. Add more crushed ice if the ice settles below the rim.
Lightly clap the mint sprigs between your hands to release their aroma, tuck them into the crushed ice, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a drier mint julep, reduce the simple syrup to about 1/4 ounce.
Gently press the mint rather than aggressively muddling it to avoid harsh vegetal flavors.
Use plenty of crushed ice because chilling and gradual dilution are important to the balance of the cocktail.
For variations, replace simple syrup with maple syrup or muddle a few peach slices or blackberries with the mint.
Homemade simple syrup can be refrigerated in a clean airtight container for up to about 2 weeks.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and combine mint and simple syrup with chilled ginger ale or sparkling water.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 2 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg