Home · Recipes · Drinks · Cocktails · Classic Classic Mint Julep Author: Maryanne CabreraPublished: Jul 11, 2017Updated: Apr 28, 2022 View Recipe4 ReviewsThis post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy. 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! Mint Julep No ratings yet A classic bourbon cocktail simply made with bourbon, sugar, mint, and ice. Mint julep is a favorite spring and summer beverage! Prep Time: 5 minutes minutesTotal Time: 5 minutes minutes Servings: 1 (multiply as needed) Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Ingredients▢ 7 pieces fresh mint leaves, torn▢ 2 sugar cubes or 2 teaspoons granulated sugar▢ 2 ½ oz bourbon of choice▢ crushed ice Instructions In a mixing glass, muddle together mint leaves and sugar cubes. Add bourbon. Stir to combine. Strain into a serving glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with additional fresh mint. Notes Serve cocktail in a highball or old-fashioned glass. For the traditional route, use a silver or pewter cup. Slap the mint garnish a couple times to help release that minty fragrance Use good quality bourbon and filtered water ice All images and text ©The Little Epicurean NutritionCalories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 297IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.4mg Author: Maryanne Cabrera Course: DrinksCuisine: American Did you make this recipe?Show us on Instagram! Tag @littleepicurean and hashtag #littleepicurean.
heather (delicious not gorgeous) says: July 11, 2017 happy birthday!! hope you have all the mint juleps and tiki cocktails and cake you could ever want (: Reply
Melissa @ Insider The Kitchen says: July 18, 2017 This sounds so delicious! I love alcohol with mint especially when it’s got so much tradition around it! Reply
Sasha Jamison says: November 15, 2018 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! Reply