Recipes Drinks Recipes Cocktail Recipes Bourbon Drinks Recipes Mint Julep 4.7 (67) 51 Reviews 11 Photos The mint julep cocktail is made with bourbon and sweetened with simple syrup. I like to use a minty homemade simple syrup which you can make ahead with this recipe and store in the refrigerator. This refreshing cocktail deserves to be served in frozen silver goblets or the most elegant glasses you have — perfect for Kentucky Derby viewing! Submitted by jenn Updated on April 25, 2024 Save Rate Print Share Add Photo 11 11 11 11 Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Total Time: 10 mins Servings: 8 Jump to Nutrition Facts Jump to recipe Whether you’re hosting a Kentucky Derby party or you’re just craving a refreshing bourbon cocktail, this mint julep recipe is sure to hit the spot. Mint Julep Ingredients Wondering what’s in a mint julep? These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this top-rated mint julep recipe: Water and sugar: The homemade simple syrup starts with equal parts water and white sugar. Mint: You’ll need roughly chopped fresh mint leaves to flavor the simple syrup and eight fresh mint sprigs to garnish. Ice: Mint juleps are traditionally served over ice. Crushed ice is best, but ice cubes will work. Bourbon: Try to use a Kentucky bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark. How to Make a Mint Julep You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this homemade mint julep: Make the simple syrup with water, sugar, and mint. Fill the glasses with ice, then pour bourbon and mint syrup into each cup.Garnish with mint sprigs. How to Serve Mint Juleps Mint juleps are traditionally served in silver goblets or highball glasses. Can You Make Mint Juleps Ahead of Time? If you’re entertaining, save time by making the mint simple syrup a day in advance. Allow the syrup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise “What is the Kentucky Derby without a mint julep?” asks christiB. “This one didn’t disappoint. I made the mint simple syrup the day before, so it was easy to mix drinks for our guests. I clipped mint from my garden the day before and kept it fresh by keeping in a glass of water on the kitchen counter.” “I made these recently using Woodford Reserve Bourbon and have fallen in love with mint juleps now,” says KimberlyW. “These are EXTREMELY sweet and syrupy so be prepared for an interesting flavor and texture sensation.” “Followed the recipe for the syrup and mixed to taste,” according to Scottyhazzard. “Previously I had muddled the mint leaves like a mojito, I was so wrong. This is THE method. I recommend selecting a bourbon with a long finish to compliment the sweet mint.” Editorial contributions by Corey Williams Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1x 2x 4x Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it. Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings Mint Simple Syrup: 2 cups water 2 cups white sugar ½ cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves Cocktails: 8 cups crushed ice, or as needed 32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon 8 sprigs fresh mint for garnish Directions Gather the ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Make the simple syrup ahead of when you plan to serve: Bring water, sugar, and chopped mint to a boil over high heat in a small saucepan. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is completely dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool . Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios To make the mint juleps: Fill eight glasses with crushed ice; pour 4 ounces bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup into each cup. (Add extra syrup for anyone with a sweet tooth.) Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Top each drink with a mint sprig. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Recipe Tips If you use silver goblets, chill them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving. Handle frozen goblets with a clean towel, holding them by their edges so you don't mar the lovely frosted surface. Editor's Note: Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of simple syrup. The actual amount consumed will vary. I Made It Print 88 home cooks made it! Nutrition Facts (per serving) 473 Calories 50g Carbs 0g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 8 Calories 473 % Daily Value * Sodium 10mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 50g 18% Protein 0g 0% Potassium 14mg 0% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.