Drink More Bourbon recipe
Mint Julep
A frosty Kentucky classic combining bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup and crushed ice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Crushed ice
- Fresh mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Gently muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup in a julep cup or rocks glass.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour in the bourbon.
- Stir until the outside of the cup becomes frosty, add more crushed ice and garnish with fresh mint.
Best bourbon style
A lively bourbon with caramel and baking-spice notes works well against the cooling mint.
Tips and substitutions
Clap the garnish lightly between your hands before serving to release its aroma without bruising it.
About this cocktail
The Mint Julep is all about contrast: bold bourbon, cool mint, gentle sweetness, and a mountain of crushed ice that slowly softens everything as you sip. The simple syrup rounds the bourbon’s oak and spice without turning the drink syrupy, while the mint adds aroma more than intense herbal flavor. It should feel cold, refreshing, and bourbon-forward, not like a sweet mint drink with whiskey in the background. That balance makes it especially good for warm afternoons, Derby Day gatherings, backyard parties, or any occasion where you want a classic cocktail that looks impressive but stays simple. Served properly chilled and piled high with ice, a Mint Julep is leisurely by design—the flavor evolves as the frost builds on the cup and the ice gradually dilutes the drink.
Choosing your bourbon
Choose a bourbon with enough structure to stand up to crushed ice and mint. A lively bourbon with caramel and baking-spice notes works well against the cooling mint, especially in the 90–100 proof range, where the whiskey still has presence after dilution. Lower-proof bourbons can make a softer, lighter julep, while higher-proof options deliver a bolder, slower-sipping version. A higher-rye mash bill can add peppery snap that keeps the drink bright; a wheated bourbon will make it rounder and softer, with more emphasis on vanilla and sweetness. Avoid anything too delicate, since the ice and mint can flatten subtle flavors.
Make it your own
You can adjust the Mint Julep without turning it into a different drink. For a drier version, slightly reduce the simple syrup; for a softer, more dessert-like profile, use a rich simple syrup in the same measured amount. A few extra mint leaves will boost aroma, but muddle gently so the drink stays fresh rather than grassy or bitter. You can also chill the cup before building the cocktail for a colder start. If you want a seasonal accent, add a small amount of peach, blackberry, or demerara syrup in place of the simple syrup, keeping the sweetness balanced and the bourbon as the focus.
Serving tips
Crushed ice matters: it chills the drink quickly, builds the signature frost, and provides the right dilution over time. A metal julep cup is traditional and shows off the icy exterior, but a sturdy rocks glass works well too. Stir until the cup is frosty, then crown the drink with more crushed ice for a polished look. Clap the garnish lightly between your hands before serving to release its aroma without bruising it, and place the mint near the straw or rim so each sip starts with fresh mint aroma.
