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Classic Mint Julep Recipe


Mint julep
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3.25 from 36 votes
When properly prepared, this Kentucky Derby staple is arguably one of summer's most refreshing cocktails.
Serve with: canapés.

Course:
Beverage
,
Cocktail
Cuisine:
American
,
Southern
difficulty scale

Makes:

Servings: 1 12-ounce/355-ml drink

Takes:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 mint leaves, stems removed
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, more or less to taste
  • 1 1/2 ounces clean fresh spring water or seltzer water to liven it up
  • 3 ounces Kentucky Bourbon
  • Crushed ice
  • 2 dashes Angustura bitters
  • 1 sprig of mint for garnish
Notes:
About the Bourbon. Knob Creek is my favorite sippin' whiskey, but no way I'm mixing it with sugar and mint. Maker's Mark is a popular, less expensive choice. But for this recipe, the mint is the star, so I use an inexpensive bourbon like regular Jim Beam.
About the mint. Be sure to remove the stems and the large central vein which can be bitter. Leaves only, please.
About the bitters. Have some fun and use orange bitters.
 
Metric conversion:

These recipes were created in US Customary measurements and the conversion to metric is being done by calculations. They should be accurate, but it is possible there could be an error. If you find one, please let us know in the comments at the bottom of the page

Method

  • Prep. Rinse the mint leaves to make sure any dirt splashed on the underside of the leaves is gone. Don't dry them. The moisture from the rinse is helpful in making the drink.
  • Put the leaves in a 12-ounce (355-mL) cocktail glass and pour the sugar on top. Muddle them together gently with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. When the leaves and wet sugar begin to turn a little mushy, add the water and the bourbon, and stir with a fork until the sugar dissolves.
  • Serve. Top with crushed ice, add a couple dashes of Angostura bitters, garnish with the sprig of mint, add a straw, and you're off!