This Mint Julep Cocktail is perfect for any occasion – from a summer BBQ to a sophisticated soiree. It’s sure to impress your guests!
Love Mint Julep cocktails but don’t know how to make them? We’ve got you covered! This easy recipe will have you sipping on one of the most iconic summer drinks in no time.
JUMP TO RECIPEWhy This Recipe Works
The mint makes it cooling and refreshing, the simple syrup adds sweetness, and the bourbon gives it a nice kick. This recipe is so easy to make and can be easily tailored to your liking.
A Little Bit of History
Made famous for being the drink of choice at the Kentucky Derby, the mint julep has a long history dating back to the 18th century. It is said to have originated in the Southern United States, although there are many variations of the drink.
Mint Juleps were originally made with mint leaves, sugar, water, and brandy or rum, but bourbon became the spirit of choice in the 19th century. Nowadays, They can be made with different kinds of alcohol, but bourbon is still the most popular choice.
Ingredient Notes
- Bourbon: You can use any type of bourbon you like. I prefer to use a high-quality bourbon for this recipe. You can substitute bourbon with rye whiskey or scotch.
- Mint Leaves: You can use fresh or frozen mint leaves for this recipe. If you don’t have mint leaves, you can use mint extract.
- Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is just equal parts of sugar and water that have been boiled together until the sugar has dissolved. You can make Homemade Simple Syrup or buy it store-bought. I prefer syrup as sugar can break up the mint which can be unpleasant to drink. You can also use honey or agave nectar, but keep in mind these options will change the flavor profile of your drink.
- Tonic Water: You can use tonic water, seltzer, or plain water.
Making a Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep
Love the taste of a mint julep but want the alcohol? Mint tea will give you all the flavor of the original without any of the booze.
If you choose this version, you might want to cut some of the mint from the recipe as the tea has a strong mint flavor. This makes a refreshing drink you can serve to the kids alongside the adult version so they don’t feel left out!
Step By Step Instructions
In a glass, muddle mint leaves with the simple syrup.
You want to just press the mint into the syrup for flavor without destroying the mint. If it breaks up, you’ll have little pieces of mint floating around that will make your mint julep cocktail unpleasant to drink.
Add 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 88 ml) of bourbon.
Fill the glass three-quarters of the way through with crushed ice.
Mix to combine.
Top with a splash of tonic water.
Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Serve and enjoy.
Erren’s Top Tips
- Use fresh mint leaves for the best possible flavor.
- When muddling the mint, press the mint into the syrup with the muddler to express the aromas and flavors. You don’t want to break up or destroy the mint.
- If you want a stronger mint flavor, add more mint leaves or you can add mint extract to taste.
- You can make a mint julep non-alcoholic by substituting the bourbon with mint tea.
- For a sweeter mint julep, add more simple syrup to taste.
- If you want a less sweet mint julep, add less simple syrup or use seltzer water instead of tonic water.
- Choose a good-quality bourbon for the best taste.
FAQs
A mint julep is made with mint, sugar, water, and bourbon. A mojito is made with mint, sugar, lime juice, rum, and sparkling water.
Yes, You can make a mint julep non-alcoholic by substituting the bourbon with mint tea.
Spearmint is traditionally used and is commonly available at supermarkets. Peppermint makes a good alternative.
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Let’s Make Mint Julep Cocktail
Ingredients
- 10 mint leaves
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 2.5 ounces bourbon
- Crushed Ice
- Tonic Water
- mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass or Julep cup, gently press the mint into the syrup with a muddler.
- Then add the bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Top with a splash of tonic water and a mint sprig for garnish.
Tips + Notes
- Use fresh mint leaves for the best possible flavor.
- When muddling the mint, press the mint into the syrup with the muddler to express the aromas and flavors. You don’t want to break up or destroy the mint.
- If you want a stronger mint flavor, add more mint leaves or you can add mint extract to taste.
- You can make a mint julep non-alcoholic by substituting the bourbon with mint tea.
- For a sweeter mint julep, add more simple syrup to taste.
- If you want a less sweet mint julep, add less simple syrup or use seltzer water instead of tonic water.
- Choose a good-quality bourbon for the best taste.
Angie says
I followed this recipe exactly and the end result was amazing. I can’t wait to make it again.
Erren Hart says
Thank you for leaving a comment about this recipe. Your feedback is appreciated, and I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for future recipes. Thanks again for trying it out and sharing your thoughts!
Maralyn says
Thank you, Erren, for this delicious recipe! I’m a big fan of bourbon and mint together, so I loved these cocktails!
Erren Hart says
I’m so glad to hear it! Thank you for trying out this recipe and for leaving such a positive review. We’re glad you enjoyed it and hope you’ll come back again soon!
Audra says
The bourbon gives it a nice boozy kick, while the mint and sugar balance it out with a sweet and cooling flavor. We made them on a hot day when we needed something to cool us down. Yum!
Erren Hart says
Thank you for trying our Mint Juleps Audra, we’re glad you enjoyed them on a hot day! We hope you’ll enjoy them again soon!
Tina says
I made these for the 4th using all the fresh mint that’s taking over my herb garden. They were great! Thanks, Erren
Erren Hart says
It is such a pleasure to hear that you enjoyed the recipe. I’m so glad we could provide something tasty to serve on the 4th!
Nancy T says
These look fantastic! I have a ton of mint in the garden – can’t wait to try them!
Erren Hart says
I have a ton of mint too! Enjoy!