Learn to make a mint julep with this simple recipe! The standard drink of the Kentucky Derby, this bourbon cocktail is fragrant and refreshing.
Have you ever ever tried a mint julep? Should you like contemporary mint (like me) or bourbon (like Jack), then you definitely completely ought to.
A mint julep is made with 4 easy substances: bourbon, easy syrup, crushed ice, and contemporary mint.
It’s the normal drink of the Kentucky Derby, and it is likely to be as essential a practice because the horse race itself. The Kentucky Derby’s web site claims that followers devour 125,000 mint juleps on the Churchill Downs racetrack over the race weekend annually!
That mentioned, it doesn’t need to be Derby Day so that you can take pleasure in a mint julep. This ice chilly cocktail is refreshing anytime, and it’s simple to make at residence. Learn the way with this traditional mint julep recipe!
Mint Julep Substances
Right here’s what you’ll have to make this mint julep recipe:
- Contemporary mint, after all! You’ll muddle some leaves on the backside of the cocktail and add extra contemporary mint sprigs for garnish.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s easy (get it?) to make your individual at residence utilizing simply sugar and water! Learn the way with this simple easy syrup recipe.
- Bourbon – One thing you must learn about a mint julep: you may actually style the bourbon. There aren’t many different substances right here to masks its taste! Select one that you just’d wish to sip by itself. Our favorites are Bulleit and Woodford Reserve.
- Crushed ice – Shaved ice works too, however I don’t suggest utilizing bigger ice cubes. The finer crushed or shaved ice completely chills the drink and provides it its traditional frosty look. It additionally balances the cocktail because it melts, diluting the whiskey. As a result of greater cubes will soften extra slowly, they gained’t have fairly the identical impact right here.
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Find out how to Make a Mint Julep
Mint juleps are historically served in silver julep cups, however should you don’t have one, that’s okay! In a pinch, a rocks glass works too.
- Begin by muddling the mint with a bit easy syrup on the backside of the cup. You solely have to muddle it frivolously to launch its aromatic oils. Should you bruise or grind the mint leaves an excessive amount of, their taste can turn out to be bitter.
- High with the bourbon, and fill the cup with crushed ice. Stir the drink till the glass turns into frosted on the surface.
- Style and modify. My #1 tip for making cocktails at residence! Should you don’t love your first sip of a drink, don’t hesitate to regulate the steadiness of flavors. Once I make this mint julep recipe, for instance, I usually add an additional splash of easy syrup to make it a bit sweeter. Should you discover the drink too sturdy, remember that the ice will dilute it because it melts.
- Garnish and serve. High your mint julep with extra crushed ice to create a dome, and garnish with a sprig of mint. A tip from bartender Chris McMillian: Evenly slap the mint earlier than you stick it within the drink. This may launch its refreshing scent.
Get pleasure from!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Extra Favourite Cocktail Recipes
Should you love this recipe, strive certainly one of these simple cocktails subsequent:
Mint Julep
Serves 1
Whether or not you make this mint julep recipe for a Kentucky Derby social gathering or one other event, it is sure to be a success! This traditional bourbon cocktail is fragrant and refreshing.
- 8 contemporary mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ to ½ ounce Easy Syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Crushed ice
Forestall your display screen from going darkish
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In a julep cup, muddle the mint leaves in ¼ ounce easy syrup. Add the bourbon and fill the cup with crushed ice.
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Stir till the cup turns into frosted on the surface. Style, including extra easy syrup for a sweeter drink.
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High with extra crushed ice to create a dome and garnish with extra mint.
