Mint Julep

A Mint Julep is made with bourbon, simple syrup, and mint leaves. Enjoy this tradition of the south!

While spearmint is the typical mint used in Kentucky, I love the delicate flavor of apple mint for my Mint Julep. I also happen to have apple mint on hand because my dear friend Larry from Larry’s family farm harvested quite a bit. He lets me know when he has something I may want to make a drink with, is ready to harvest. I have a lot of apple mint on hand!

As the official drink of the Kentucky Derby,  up to 100,000 Mint Juleps are sold each year!  If you’d like something extra special and fancy, you can order a mint julep that is served in a gold-plated cup with a silver plated straw.

There’s something charming about this cocktail. As I sip it, I feel as if I should be wearing a big, floppy, hat and white gloves. I have the urge to watch Steel Magnolias and have my hair elegantly coiffed. Yes, I do love this fun cocktail.

I have to admit to the julep being a bit strong for me, so when I make one for myself, I drop the bourbon to 1 1/2 ounces and add a splash of club soda. Then, I relax in the shade and fan myself like an elegant southern lady.

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Mint Julep

A Mint Julep is made with bourbon, simple syrup, and mint leaves. Muddle carefully. You are not destroying the leaves, you are coaxing the flavors from them with a gentle use of the muddler. Finely crushed ice is very important for this cocktail.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup Mint leaves
  • 1 oz Simple syrup
  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • Crushed ice

Instructions

  1. Place the mint in the julep cup, double old fashioned or collins glass, pour the simple syrup over the leaves and gently muddle. Add the bourbon and then fill the glass with ice. Stir well, the glass will get frosty. Garnish with a sprig of mint.