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Home » Recipes

Classic Mint Julep

Modified: Jan 25, 2025 · Published: Feb 26, 2024 by Marni Katz · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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This iconic bourbon mixed drink is popular the first weekend of May during the Kentucky Derby Festival, but with fresh mint, a drop of simple syrup and your favorite bourbon is a drink that can be enjoyed all year long. While you normally find more family friendly drinks like pina colada smoothies and iced mochas around here, this simple cocktails is just for the adults.

mint julep in mason jar with crushed ice in a bowl

“This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.”

Why this mint julep recipe is the best

This is a classic recipe that works every time.  Because there are no fancy ingredients, you will get a good result every time you make it.  The great taste depends mostly on using bourbon that you like, a clean simple syrup and fresh mint leaves. Keep those ingredients quality, be sure to used crushed ice and you'll have a perfect cocktail every time.

“Some folks will tell you a mint julep has powdered sugar and some people tell you to buy a bottle of pre-made mint julep mix that you just pour over ice and add a sprig of mint too. But those of us raised in Kentucky know the tried and true recipe...”

-Karen Katz, Louisville native, foodie and awesome person all around

Ingredients

ingredients for mint juleps

A few notes on the ingredients:

  • Simple syrup:  You can buy it or make it yourself. Simple syrup is one part water to one part sugar. I make it with one cup of each, bring to a boil and then let reduce by about half. You can store this in the fridge for up to a month.
  • Bourbon: You can use any bourbon you have on hand, but you want to choose something you like drinking. It doesn't have to be the fanciest bottle you can find because you are going to be mixing it into a classic cocktail.

How to make a classic mint julep

To make things even simpler, here are step-by-step photos to help you every step of the way.

Start with a mason jar or a silver mint julep cup.

Muddle the mint leaves at the bottom of each glass, gently.  You want to get the essence of the mint out with our totally crushing the leaves.

mint leaves being muddled in mason jar

Then add the simple syrup and the bourbon.

Now, you’ll add crushed ice to fill the glass and top it off with another splash of bourbon and spring of mint.

crushed ice being added to a mint julep

Enjoy with friends while watching the Kentucky Derby races or whenever you need a refreshing cocktail.

For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the best bourbon to use in a classic mint julep?

I’m not a bourbon expert, but I luckily live with one.  My husband says to use the best bourbon you can afford.  He recommends Elijah Craig, Russel’s Reserve Single Barrel or Knob Creek Single Barrel if you don’t have any stocked in your bar right now.

How do you muddle herbs?

Gently!  You want to just bring out the essential oils in the leaves and have the aroma get into your drink.  You don’t want them to be smashed to smithereens.  Use a muddler if you have one.  If you don’t, the end of a spatula or other kitchen tool will work as well.

Can you make a big batch of mint juleps in advance?

Yes, with some caution. You’ll want to mix the simple syrup and bourbon together in the same 1:2 ratio as in the recipe.  Put that in a large pitcher and leave on the bar or in the fridge.  When it’s time to make a drink, muddle the mint in each glass, fill the glass part way with the bourbon mixture, top with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.  

Please don’t add the ice to the pitcher or you will end up with very watery mint julep’s that won’t taste good at all. You also want to muddle the mint fresh for each drink so as to get the most flavor and aroma out of the leaves as possible.

How to make crushed ice

If you have a refrigerator that crushes it for you awesome!  You’ll want to start collecting the crushed ice in a giant zip top bag and leaving it in your freezer so you don’t run out when you are ready to make the mint juleps. 

Another option is to simply blend ice cubes in a blender (my Vitamix did a great job) or food processor until just crushed.

A third option is to go to Sonic or another fast food or convenience store that sells crushed ice by the bag.

Last choice, but still works is to put the ice in a bag and smash it with a hammer or on the ground until is nicely crushed.  It’s a little more effort, but will work.

Make a kid friendly mocktail

For a kid friendly spin on this recipe, try a mint julep mocktail. It's great for kids or anyone who is staying away from alcohol.

Simply substitute the bourbon for ginger ale or a non-alcoholic bourbon. Mix it up with crushed ice, simple syrup and mint just like in the original and enjoy!

One more simple tip

If you bought too much mint and want to find a good use for it, try making a mint infused simple syrup.  Simply put the mint leaves in the pot while you are making the simple syrup and that’s it.  Use it when you make another batch of mint juleps, in hot tea or any other cocktail recipe that calls for mint and simple syrup, like this mojito from my friend Katy at MittenGirl.com

You can also finely chop the mint leaves and add it to this no churn mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe.

mason jar mint julep with mint garnish

Looking for more Kentucky inspired recipes?  Try these:

  • Not Derby Pie
  • Strawberry Coffee Cake

When you try this recipe and love it 😍 let me know by leaving a comment below or 5 ⭐ rating!

📖 Recipe

mint julep garnished with mint

Classic Mint Julep

Marni Katz
This iconic bourbon mixed drink is popular during the Kentucky Derby, but with fresh mint, a drop of simple syrup and your favorite bourbon, is a drink to be enjoyed all year long.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine All-American
Servings 1 drink
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 oz simple syrup more or less depending on how sweet you like it
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 4-5 mint leaves
  • crushed ice enough to fill glass

Instructions
 

  • Add mint leaves to the glass and muddle (crush) gently to release the essential oils.
  • Add the simple syrup and the bourbon and stir.
  • Top with crushed ice to fill the glass.
  • Pour another drop or two of bourbon over the top and garnish with sprig of mint.

Notes

Crushed ice is essential in mint juleps.  You can crush it with a high speed blender, food processor or by hand with a mallet.
To make simple syrup:  Add one part water to one part sugar to a small pot.  Bring to a boil and then let reduce by about half. Let cool and enjoy in cocktails, iced tea, or iced coffees.  You can store this in the fridge for up to a month.  

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 18mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 170IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cocktail, mint julep
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About Marni Katz

Marni Katz is the recipe developer, photographer and writer behind Simple Gray T-Shirt. She wants to help people keep things simple in the kitchen. With simple recipes, easy menu ideas and plenty of tips and tricks along the way, she wants getting a meal on the table to be as simple as putting on your favorite gray tee!
"I want to inspire you to get back in the kitchen and do this, because you can!"

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As a busy mom of three, I believe in keeping recipes simple. 7-ingredients or less is my goal, and everything is kid-tested and approved!

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