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Loading...The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and a hallmark of Southern hospitality dating back over two centuries. This frosty Kentucky classic blends peppery bourbon with garden-fresh spearmint and a whisper of sweetness over finely crushed ice. Served in a frosted silver cup, it is the signature refresher for warm Derby Day afternoons.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings4
Yield4 cocktails
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 210 kcalCalories
- 0 gFat
- 0 gSaturated Fat
- 12 gCarbs
- 0 gFiber
- 12 gSugar
- 0 gProtein
- 5 mgSodium
- 18 mgPotassium
- 8 mgCalcium
- 0.3 mgIron
- 2 mgVitamin C
- 85 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the Juleps
- 16 fresh spearmint sprigs (about 1 cup loosely packed)
- 8 oz Kentucky bourbon (such as Woodford Reserve or Maker's Mark)
- 4 oz chilled simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 4 cups finely crushed ice
- 4 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)
For Garnish
- 4 large fresh spearmint sprigs for garnishing
- 1 tsp powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
- Chill 4 silver julep cups or rocks glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Place 4 mint sprigs in the bottom of each chilled cup and pour 1 oz of chilled simple syrup over the leaves.
- Gently muddle the mint with a wooden muddler or the back of a spoon just until fragrant; avoid tearing the leaves, which can release bitter chlorophyll.
- Fill each cup about halfway with finely crushed ice, allowing it to settle around the muddled mint.
- Pour 2 oz of Kentucky bourbon over the ice in each cup and add 1 dash of Angostura bitters if using.
- Insert a bar spoon and stir briskly for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside of the cup frosts over and the mixture is well chilled.
- Pile additional crushed ice on top of each cup, forming a generous dome that rises just above the rim.
- Slap a fresh mint sprig between your palms to release the essential oils and place it into the ice mound as garnish.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired and serve immediately with a short straw.
Cook’s Notes
- Use only fresh spearmint; peppermint is too sharp and dried mint loses its bright, cooling character.
- Muddle gently; aggressive pressing bruises the leaves and releases bitter tannins that will overpower the drink.
- Crushed or shaved ice is essential; cubed ice dilutes too slowly and will not frost the cup properly.
- For an authentic Derby experience, serve in a silver or pewter cup; the metal conducts cold quickly and creates the signature frosted exterior.
