The mint julep is the ultimate summer bourbon cocktail—refreshing, elegant, and deceptively simple. Made with just four ingredients (bourbon, sugar, fresh mint, and crushed ice), this classic drink proves that quality is key!
I’m sharing this recipe during my birthday week- though my usual summer celebration beverage of choice goes to my zombie cocktail. This mint julep holds a special place in my home bar rotation.
While this cocktail traditionally appears during Kentucky Derby season, I refuse to limit it to May. In my opinion, the best recipes transcend seasonal marketing. The mint julep is a summer essential, period.
Here’s what makes this version superior:
- Proper muddling technique extracts mint oils without bitterness
- Quality ingredient ratios create perfect balance
- Crushed ice method provides ideal dilution and temperature
- Straining ensures a clean, refined drink
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients
Since the mint julep is made with four ingredients (yes, the ice counts as a vital ingredient), ingredient quality is non-negotiable:
Bourbon
Choose a good-quality bourbon—not your bottom-shelf mixer. I recommend something in the $30-40 range: smooth enough to shine, bold enough to stand up to the mint and ice. (I personally like Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Four Roses Small Batch.)
Save anything over $50 a bottle for sipping neat.
Fresh Mint
Use spearmint for authentic flavor. The leaves should be vibrant green, aromatic, and free of brown spots. If you can, use Kentucky Colonel Mint- the official mint for the Kentucky Derby’s Mint Julep.
Avoid peppermint—it’s too aggressive for this cocktail.
Sugar
Sugar cubes work beautifully in this cocktail. Skip the simple syrup– the muddling process of the mint and sugar creates the perfect flavor and texture.
Ice
Use filtered water for your ice. Hard water or tap water with off-flavors will compromise the drink. Crushed ice is essential—it chills rapidly and provides the signature julep dilution.
Step-by-Step Make a Mint Julep
STEP 1: Muddle with Purpose.
Tear 7 fresh mint leaves. Add to mixing glass with sugar cubes.
Using a steel muddler (I’ve had mine for years–wooden ones don’t last for me.), press and twist gently. You want to bruise, not pulverize. Over-muddling will make the mint taste rather bitter.
STEP 2: Build and Stir.
Add bourbon. Stir for 15-20 seconds to dissolve sugar and infuse mint oils.
STEP 3: Strain Over Crushed Ice.
Fill a highball or old-fashioned glass with crushed ice (or use a traditional silver julep cup if you’re feeling fancy). Strain the bourbon mixture over the ice using a bar strainer.
Traditionally, this julep strainer is used to strain the cocktail, but I prefer using a standard bar strainer.
The Mint Slap Trick
Here’s a bartending secret: slap your mint garnish between your palms 2-3 times before adding it to the glass.
This releases aromatic oils so the mint tickles your nose with every sip, amplifying the entire experience.
Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 7 pieces fresh mint leaves, torn
- 2 sugar cubes, or 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 ½ oz quality bourbon
- crushed ice
- fresh mint bundle, for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle: In a mixing glass, gently muddle torn mint leaves with sugar cubes using a pressing-and-twisting motion. Don't over-muddle—you want to bruise, not pulverize.
- Build: Add bourbon and stir for 15-20 seconds until sugar dissolves and mint infuses the liquid.
- Strain: Fill a highball glass or old-fashioned glass with crushed ice. Strain bourbon mixture over the ice.
- Garnish: Slap a fresh mint bundle between your palms 2-3 times to release oils, then place on top of the drink so it sits near your nose.
Notes
- Serve cocktail in a highball or old-fashioned glass. For the traditional route, use a silver or pewter cup.
- Make it stronger: increase bourbon to 3 oz for a bolder, more intense drink
- Chill your glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before building the cocktail to ensure the perfect temperature cocktail
- Slap the mint garnish a couple times to help release that minty fragrance
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
I’m totally welcoming the extra booze in my life this week. It’s only Monday, and I can already tell I’ll need it. Starting here. Love!
This sounds so delicious! I love alcohol with mint especially when it’s got so much tradition around it!
happy birthday!! hope you have all the mint juleps and tiki cocktails and cake you could ever want (:
Thank you!!