Classic Mint Julep
Sip some Southern charm with our recipe for the Classic Mint Julep—a spirited blend of fresh mint, powdered sugar, a splash of water and, of course, the robust kick of bourbon.
Table of Contents
Ever had a drink and instantly felt like you’re sitting on a Southern porch basking in the sun? If you did, I’m willing to bet that drink was the Classic Mint Julep; that’s what it was like for me. It’s fresh mint and a smack of bourbon all stirred up in a tall glass. It’s sunshine with Southern charm. It’s… the next drink you HAVE to try. Trust me on this one.
Now, you may wonder what separates the Mint Julep from a mint cocktail like a Mojito or a Southside? Fair, but trust me when I say that the Classic Mint Julep is in its own league. It’s got that strong bourbon touch, balanced perfectly with a bit of sugar and lots of fresh mint. Not a fad drink, the Mint Julep is always in style.
INGREDIENTS
Simple yet tasty. Just how I like it!
- 2 1/2 oz. bourbon
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
- 2 tsp water
Equipment Needed
- highball glass
- muddler
- bar spoon
- jigger or measuring tool
- straw
INSTRUCTIONS
Muddle
In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar, and water.
Fill
Fill the glass with cracked ice and bourbon. Stir well until the glass is frosty.
Garnish
Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.
ENJOY!
How to Make a Healthy/Low-Calorie Mint Julep
- Switch that powdered sugar for a low-cal sweetener or honey.
- Cut back on the bourbon and up your mint and ice factor.
- For a Mint Julep Mocktail, simply drop the bourbon or go in search of a non-alcoholic version.
Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Mint Julep
- Use premium bourbon for a smoother, richer taste.
- Use fresh mint for the best refreshing flavor.
- Speaking of mint, when muddling the mint with the sugar and water, apply light pressure and be careful not to shred the leaves.
- Use cracked ice instead of regular ice cubes to chill evenly without over-diluting the bourbon.
- Stir well to make the glass frosty, which will keep your drink cold longer.
FAQs
A Classic Mint Julep has 160–200 calories.
A Mint Julep is best when you take it slow, in a stainless steel or copper glass. You need to sip it leisurely through a straw.
Yes, lots of bartenders and cocktail lovers swap in sweeteners to trim down those calories. I like honey or agave syrup.
The traditional Mint Julep uses bourbon but you can try whiskey or rum.
Nope. While it is associated with the Kentucky Derby (in May, FYI), it is a winner all-year round.
how to prep and store a Classic mint Julep
If you’re playing host for a big crowd, you can prepare the mint, sugar, and water mix a day ahead. Just remember to add the bourbon and ice right before you serve it up.
Because of the diluting power of the ice, a Classic Mint Julep won’t store well, so distribute what’s left to your guests. If you have some of that mint, sugar, and water mix left, you can store it in the fridge for a day or two.
Classic Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz. bourbon
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
- 2 tsp water
Instructions
- In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar, and water.
- Fill the glass with cracked ice and bourbon. Stir well until the glass is frosty.
- Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.
Notes
- When muddling mint with the sugar and water, apply light pressure and be careful not to shred the leaves.
- Use cracked ice instead of regular ice cubes to chill evenly without over-diluting the bourbon.
- Stir well to make the glass frosty, which will, in turn, keep your drink cold longer.
Nutrition
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