The Best Mint Julep Recipe

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The Mint Julep is a fresh and minty bourbon cocktail, perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby! This recipe uses a delicious and not too sweet homemade mint simple syrup, fresh mint sprigs, your favorite bourbon, and a whole lot of crushed ice.

This is the perfect sweet and refreshing drink for any spring or summer day!

Mint julep in a clear glass surrounded by ice and mint.

Why you will love this recipe:

The mint julep is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, and it is perfect for any Derby party or sunny day. The fresh mint and crushed ice are the perfect reprieve when it's hot out!

It's one of my favorite bourbon-based cocktails; it's right up there with the old-fashioned!

Mint julep ingredients shot from overhead on a brown table.

Key ingredients for this cocktail:

Bourbon: this is a bourbon-based cocktail, and the bourbon flavor comes through, so using a top-shelf, and high-quality bourbon is key to a delicious tasting drink.
Fresh Mint: this recipe calls for A LOT of mint. Some mint leaves are chopped up and added to the simple syrup, and then several springs of the whole mint are added to the glass for more flavor and as a garnish.
Fresh Mint Simple Syrup: mint simple syrup is super easy to make. Simply mix the water, sugar, and chopped mint in a small saucepan and heat until all the sugar has dissolved. This syrup is a little watered down because I don't like my drinks too sweet, and a Mint Julep is meant to be refreshing, and this recipe is really refreshing and delicious.
Crushed Ice: You can technically use any type of ice you want, but you use crushed ice if you want a traditional Kentucky Derby-style cocktail.

Collage showing how to make a mint julep.

How to make this recipe:

This is so easy to make!

Start by making the simple syrup:

Mix the water with the sugar and fresh mint in a small pot. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved and the mint has wilted. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then add to the cocktail. Store the remaining syrup in a tight air jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Then mix the cocktail:

Mix 2 ounces of bourbon and 1 ounce of the mint simple syrup into a glass. Stir, add a mint sprig, and fill with crushed ice.

Tips and tricks for making this recipe:

Try and make your simple syrup ahead of time, so it has time to thoroughly cool. You can make it a week ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Mix your drink first and add the ice last. This drink is traditionally made by mixing everything together in a glass, adding the mint springs, and then topping it all off with ice.

Here's a video showing how to make this cocktail:

FAQ's:

What does a mint julep taste like?

A mint julep is really similar to a mojito, but instead of using rum it uses bourbon. It's sweet from the sugar, refreshing from the mint, delicious from the bourbon whisky, and cooling from all the ice.

What is the best bourbon for a mint julep?

You can use any bourbon you like! However, I suggest premium bourbon, and here are a few of my favorites for cocktails.
Woodford Reserve
Four Roses Small Batch
Knob Creek

Mint julep garnished with lemon, cucumber, and mint.

LOOKING FOR MORE DERBY RECIPES?! CHECK THESE OUT!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING ABOUT THESE TASTY MUFFINS! IF YOU MAKE THEM BE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT AND/OR GIVE THIS RECIPE A RATING! I LOVE TO HEAR EVERYONE'S THOUGHTS!