Learn to make a mint julep with this straightforward recipe! The normal drink of the Kentucky Derby, this bourbon cocktail is fragrant and refreshing.
Have you ever ever tried a mint julep? For those who like contemporary mint (like me) or bourbon (like Jack), then you definitely completely ought to.
A mint julep is made with 4 easy substances: bourbon, easy syrup, crushed ice, and contemporary mint.
It’s the standard drink of the Kentucky Derby, and it could be as vital a convention because the horse race itself. The Kentucky Derby’s web site claims that followers eat 125,000 mint juleps on the Churchill Downs racetrack over the race weekend every year!
That stated, it doesn’t need to be Derby Day so that you can get pleasure from a mint julep. This ice chilly cocktail is refreshing anytime, and it’s straightforward to make at residence. 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 contemporary mint sprigs for garnish.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s easy (get it?) to make your personal at residence utilizing simply sugar and water! Learn the way with this straightforward easy syrup recipe.
- Bourbon – One thing it’s best to find out about a mint julep: you may actually style the bourbon. There aren’t many different substances right here to masks its taste! Select one that you just’d prefer to sip by itself. Our favorites are Bulleit and Woodford Reserve.
- Crushed ice – Shaved ice works too, however I don’t suggest utilizing bigger ice cubes. The finer crushed or shaved ice completely chills the drink and offers 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 entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Make a Mint Julep
Mint juleps are historically served in silver julep cups, however should you 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 flippantly to launch its aromatic oils. For those who bruise or grind the mint leaves an excessive amount of, their taste can grow to be bitter.
- Prime with the bourbon, and fill the cup with crushed ice. Stir the drink till the glass turns into frosted on the skin.
- Style and modify. My #1 tip for making cocktails at residence! For those who 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. For those who discover the drink too robust, take into account that the ice will dilute it because it melts.
- Garnish and serve. Prime your mint julep with extra crushed ice to create a dome, and garnish with a sprig of mint. A tip from bartender Chris McMillian: Frivolously slap the mint earlier than you stick it within the drink. This may launch its refreshing scent.
Get pleasure from!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Extra Favourite Cocktail Recipes
For those who love this recipe, strive considered one of these straightforward cocktails subsequent:
Mint Julep
Serves 1
Whether or not you make this mint julep recipe for a Kentucky Derby social gathering or one other event, it is sure to be a success! This basic bourbon cocktail is fragrant and refreshing.
- 8 contemporary mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ to ½ ounce Easy Syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Crushed ice
Stop 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 skin. Style, including extra easy syrup for a sweeter drink.
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Prime with extra crushed ice to create a dome and garnish with extra mint.
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