Learn to make a mint julep with this simple recipe! The normal drink of the Kentucky Derby, this bourbon cocktail is fragrant and refreshing.
Have you ever ever tried a mint julep? In case you like recent mint (like me) or bourbon (like Jack), then you definitely completely ought to.
A mint julep is made with 4 easy elements: bourbon, easy syrup, crushed ice, and recent mint.
It’s the standard drink of the Kentucky Derby, and it could be as necessary 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 every year!
That mentioned, it doesn’t should be Derby Day so that you can get pleasure from a mint julep. This ice chilly cocktail is refreshing anytime, and it’s simple to make at dwelling. Learn the way with this basic mint julep recipe!
Mint Julep Components
Right here’s what you’ll must make this mint julep recipe:
- Contemporary mint, after all! You’ll muddle some leaves on the backside of the cocktail and add extra recent mint sprigs for garnish.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s easy (get it?) to make your individual at dwelling utilizing simply sugar and water! Learn the way with this simple easy syrup recipe.
- Bourbon – One thing it is best to learn about a mint julep: you may actually style the bourbon. There aren’t many different elements 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 advocate utilizing bigger ice cubes. The finer crushed or shaved ice completely chills the drink and provides it its basic frosty look. It additionally balances the cocktail because it melts, diluting the whiskey. As a result of greater cubes will soften extra slowly, they received’t have fairly the identical impact right here.
Discover the whole recipe with measurements beneath.
Tips on how to Make a Mint Julep
Mint juleps are historically served in silver julep cups, however if you happen to 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 must muddle it frivolously to launch its aromatic oils. In case you bruise or grind the mint leaves an excessive amount of, their taste can turn into 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 dwelling! In case 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. In case you discover the drink too robust, take into account 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: Calmly slap the mint earlier than you stick it within the drink. This can launch its refreshing scent.
Get pleasure from!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements beneath.
Extra Favourite Cocktail Recipes
In case you love this recipe, strive considered one of these simple cocktails subsequent:
Mint Julep
Serves 1
Whether or not you make this mint julep recipe for a Kentucky Derby get together or one other event, it is sure to be successful! This basic bourbon cocktail is fragrant and refreshing.
- 8 recent 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.