Mint Julep Recipe – A classic ingredient mint julep cocktail made with bourbon, crushed mint, ice, and water and served in a silver julep cup. It’s the traditional drink at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.

This beverage is a southern tradition that’s strong, sweet, and elegant.

Table of Contents

WHAT IS A MINT JULEP?

A Mint Julep is a mixed alcoholic drink consisting of bourbon, sugar, water, ice, and fresh mint. As a bourbon-based cocktail, it is associated with the American South and particularly the Kentucky Derby.

We should all experience a Mint Julep at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby.

Mint Juleps are very similar to mojitos. Mint Juleps have bourbon whereas mojitos contain rum.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR A MINT JULEP RECIPE

Fresh mint
Woodford Reserve bourbon
Simple syrup
Toni water
Ice

HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP

Simple syrup is just that, it’s a syrup made with water and sugar. Simple syrups are great when you want to sweeten drinks that are cold. Hot drinks or liquids will melt sugar however cold drinks will not. This is your solution.

Your ratio is 1:1 for a simple syrup. I used one cup of water and one cup of granulated sugar.

In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. It will last for a month.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

Muddler for cocktails
Mint Julep cup – Classic style (set of 4 because who wants to have juleps alone?)
Jigger (but you should just buy a bar set because more than likely you’ll need items at some point.)
Kentucky Derby napkins or another cocktail napkin😉 (but you can enjoy this libation anytime, not just during the Kentucky Derby!)

WHILE YOU’RE HERE, CHECK OUT THESE RECIPES

Mint Julep

A Mint Julep is an alcoholic cocktail made with bourbon, crush mint, ice, and water and served in a silver julep cup. It's the traditional drink at Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

Author: Paula