This mint julep recipe is crisp, cooling, lightly sweet, and very easy to make. Known as the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, it is also a refreshing bourbon drink to enjoy throughout warm weather. Best of all, it comes together in about 5 minutes once your simple syrup is ready.
Try Sweet Tea or a Grapefruit Irish Mule next if you enjoy fresh, easy drinks for summer sipping.
What is a mint julep?
A mint julep is a classic bourbon cocktail made with fresh mint, simple syrup, ice, and a splash of club soda. It is slightly sweet, aromatic, and served very cold, which makes it especially enjoyable on hot days. The fresh mint is gently muddled to release its flavor, then the drink is built over crushed or shaved ice for a crisp, chilled finish.
This cocktail has roots in the southern United States and dates back to the 1700s. It became closely associated with the Kentucky Derby in the 1930s, and it remains one of the most recognizable drinks served during Derby celebrations. Thousands of mint juleps are served each year at Churchill Downs, making it a true Kentucky Derby tradition.
Traditionally, a mint julep is served in a pewter cup, which helps the drink stay icy cold. At home, an old fashioned glass or any small cocktail glass works well. No matter what you serve it in, this classic mint julep is all about fresh mint, good bourbon, and plenty of ice.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Mint leaves – use the freshest mint you can find because it is one of the main flavors in this cocktail.
- Simple syrup – a basic mixture of white sugar and water. It sweetens the drink smoothly and is best prepared ahead of time.
- Bourbon – choose your favorite Kentucky bourbon. Bulleit bourbon works well, and Woodford Reserve is used at the Derby.
- Club soda – a small splash tops off the cocktail and adds light bubbles.
- Ice – crushed ice is the classic choice, but shaved ice also works.
How to make simple syrup
- Add equal parts white sugar and water to a small saucepan. A mixture of 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water makes plenty of syrup for several drinks. Bring it to a boil and heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Let the syrup cool, then transfer it to a covered container such as a mason jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to about a month.
Is it strong?
- This recipe uses 2 ounces of bourbon, so it is a spirit-forward cocktail. The crushed ice and club soda soften the drink and make it pleasant for slow sipping.
- If you do not enjoy bourbon, this may not be the best cocktail for you since bourbon is the main ingredient.
- For a lighter version, use 1 ounce of bourbon, reduce the simple syrup by half, and add a little more club soda.
How to make a mint julep
This is a quick overview. Full ingredient amounts and instructions are included in the recipe card below.
- Make the simple syrup in advance so it has time to cool. Add the fresh mint leaves to your glass, then pour in the syrup. Gently muddle the mint to release its oils and aroma without tearing it too aggressively.
- Fill the glass almost to the top with crushed ice. Pour in the bourbon, top with club soda, and stir until the drink is well chilled. Garnish with a generous sprig of mint and serve right away.
Pro tips
- Muddling simply means gently pressing the mint to release its flavor and fragrance. Use a cocktail muddler, a pestle, or another flat kitchen tool. Be careful not to crush the mint too much, or it can become harsh.
- Crushed ice gives the mint julep its signature frosty texture and keeps the drink cold from top to bottom. If you only have regular ice cubes, you can still use them in a pinch.
- This version has a noticeable sweetness from the simple syrup. If you prefer a drier cocktail, reduce the syrup and adjust the balance to your taste.
- For a brighter flavor, add a small squeeze of lemon juice. Skip it if you prefer a more traditional mint julep.
More summer cocktail recipes
- Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe
- Blackberry Friesling Frozen Riesling
- Rhubarb Moscow Mule
- Easy Rosé Spritzer Recipe
- Passion Fruit Margarita
If you make this easy mint julep recipe, enjoy it freshly mixed while the ice is still cold and the mint is fragrant. It is a simple cocktail, but the small details make a big difference.
Classic Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces Kentucky bourbon
- Club soda, for topping up
- Crushed or shaved ice
Instructions
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Prepare the simple syrup ahead of time and let it cool. Add the mint leaves to a glass, tearing any large leaves in half.
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Pour the simple syrup over the mint.
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Gently muddle the mint in the glass to release its flavor and aroma.
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Fill the glass almost to the top with crushed ice.
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Add the Kentucky bourbon.
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Top up with club soda, stir gently, garnish with a sprig of mint, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe works best in a 6 ounce glass.
- How to make simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small pan. A 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water mixture makes plenty. Boil until dissolved, cool completely, transfer to a sealed container, and refrigerate for up to about a month.