Classic Mint Julep

The mint julep is a classic bourbon cocktail. Simply made with bourbon, sugar, mint, and ice, it’s a popular summer beverage!

We celebrated my birthday yesterday!

Alas, this is not my usual tiki celebration drink. (See my version of the zombie for the ultimate tiki cocktail!)

For my birthday I’m sharing one of my favorite (and easiest) cocktails to make: the mint julep.

Traditionally this cocktail makes its grand appearance during Kentucky Derby season. Why limit it to the month of May?

To me, the mint julep is a summer staple. What’s better than a super ice cold beverage to sip on when it’s blazing hot outside?

Four Ingredient Cocktail

Since the mint julep is made with four ingredients (yes, the ice counts as a vital ingredient), quality of ingredients is an important factor.

Use good bourbon, real sugar, ice made from filtered water, and the freshest mint you can find.

You’ll need a muddler (this steel muddler is my fav. I’ve had it for many years and it’s still going strong. I can’t say the same for my wooden muddlers).

Muddle torn fresh mint with sugar cubes in a mixing glass.

Pour in the bourbon and stir. Strain the mixture into a highball glass (or old-fashioned glass) filled with crushed ice.

The crushed ice keeps the drink cold, but it also helps to water down the otherwise very potent mixture.

Traditionally, this julep strainer is used to strain the cocktail, but I prefer using a standard bar strainer.

A trick I learned regarding mint garnishes: slap the bundle of mint in your palms a couple times to help release some mint fragrance.  

You’ll want the mint to slightly tickle your nose when you drink the cocktail. This will help to enhance the minty of the cocktail even more. Cheers!