Mint Julep
A refreshing bourbon classic combining whiskey, fresh mint and a touch of sugar over crushed ice. Spirit-forward yet cooling, with rich bourbon character and bright mint aroma.
Mint Julep Recipe
- Bourbon whiskey 50 ml
- Cane sugar syrup 10 ml
- Fresh mint 10 leaves & 1 spring for garnish
- Crushed ice 200 g
Make it properly
- Add 8–10 fresh mint leaves and 10 ml cane sugar syrup to a Julep cup.
- Press the mint very gently with a muddler or bar spoon. The goal is to release the aroma without tearing the leaves into pieces.
- Add 50 ml bourbon.
- Fill the cup generously with crushed ice and stir until the outside of the cup becomes very cold.
- Top with a little more crushed ice to form a small mound above the rim.
- Garnish with a generous fresh mint sprig and serve immediately.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MINT JULEP?
A good Mint Julep should remain unmistakably bourbon-forward while feeling exceptionally cold and refreshing.
Fresh mint provides aroma rather than dominating the flavour. The leaves should therefore be handled gently. Aggressive muddling can release bitter vegetal notes and leave small pieces of mint throughout the drink.
Sugar syrup softens the whiskey and helps carry the mint aroma, but the drink should never become noticeably sweet.
Crushed ice is essential. As it slowly melts, it chills and dilutes the bourbon, transforming a strong spirit-forward drink into a long, refreshing serve.
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MINT JULEP: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Mint Julep, from choosing the right bourbon and handling fresh mint to achieving the proper dilution with crushed ice.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A MINT JULEP
The Mint Julep contains very few ingredients, which means the bourbon and fresh mint should both be good quality.
For the whiskey, Drinkero recommends Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 47% Vol. Its rich bourbon character has enough depth to remain clearly noticeable even as the crushed ice gradually dilutes the drink.
For sweetness, we use cane sugar syrup. Liquid syrup distributes evenly through the cocktail and is easier to control than granulated sugar.
Fresh mint is essential. Choose bright green, aromatic leaves without bruising or wilting. The mint should contribute freshness and aroma rather than a strong vegetal flavour.
Finally, use plenty of crushed ice. It is not simply a way to chill the cocktail — its gradual dilution is part of how the Mint Julep develops in the glass.
HOW TO BALANCE A MINT JULEP
Our recipe uses 60 ml bourbon and 10 ml cane sugar syrup.
The bourbon remains the dominant flavour, while the small amount of syrup rounds the whiskey and helps release the aroma of the mint.
Using too much syrup can quickly make the cocktail heavy and sweet. Too little can leave a high-proof bourbon tasting unnecessarily sharp.
The 8–10 mint leaves provide enough fresh aroma without turning the drink grassy or bitter.
Crushed ice then provides the final element of balance. As it melts, it gradually lowers the strength of the bourbon while keeping the drink intensely cold.
The result should taste rich and bourbon-led at first, followed by cooling mint and a lightly sweet, refreshing finish.
THE STORY BEHIND THE MINT JULEP
The Mint Julep is one of the best-known traditional American whiskey cocktails, with roots stretching back to the nineteenth century.
Early juleps were not necessarily made with bourbon, but whiskey eventually became the defining spirit as the drink became particularly associated with the American South.
The Mint Julep is now strongly connected with Kentucky bourbon culture and is famously served around the Kentucky Derby.
Despite its reputation and distinctive presentation, the cocktail itself remains remarkably simple: bourbon, mint, sugar and crushed ice.
TECHNIQUE: GENTLE MINT & PLENTY OF CRUSHED ICE
The most important technique in a Mint Julep is restraint when working with the mint.
Add the leaves and syrup to the cup and press them only gently. You want to release the aromatic oils without crushing the leaves into a pulp.
Add the bourbon, then fill the cup completely with crushed ice.
Stir until the cup becomes extremely cold. With a metal Julep cup, you may begin to see condensation or frost forming on the outside.
Top with additional crushed ice before garnishing.
A generous mint sprig should sit close to the drinker's nose so its aroma is noticeable with every sip.
HOW TO SERVE A MINT JULEP
Serve the Mint Julep in a metal Julep cup or Rocks glas filled completely with crushed ice.
The traditional metal cup is particularly effective because it becomes extremely cold and develops the distinctive frosted appearance associated with the cocktail.
Finish with a large fresh mint sprig.
For the best aroma, gently clap the mint sprig between your hands before placing it in the drink. This helps release its natural oils without bruising the leaves.
Serving options:
- Classic: Julep cup + fresh mint sprig
- Alternative: Rocks glass + fresh mint sprig
- Traditional look: Build a mound of crushed ice above the rim
- Extra aromatic: Use a generous bouquet of mint rather than a single small sprig
Questions about the Mint Julep
What is a Mint Julep made with?
A classic Mint Julep combines bourbon, fresh mint, sugar and crushed ice.
What bourbon should I use?
Drinkero recommends Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 47% Vol. Its rich character remains noticeable after dilution from the crushed ice.
How much mint should I use?
Our recipe uses 8–10 mint leaves in the cocktail plus one fresh mint sprig for garnish.
Should mint be muddled?
Yes, but very gently. Press the leaves just enough to release their aroma. Aggressive muddling can introduce bitter, vegetal flavours.
Can I use sugar syrup instead of sugar?
Yes. Drinkero uses cane sugar syrup because it mixes evenly and makes the sweetness easier to control.
Does a Mint Julep need crushed ice?
Yes. Crushed ice is an important part of the cocktail. It chills the drink quickly and provides the gradual dilution that balances the bourbon.
What glass is used for a Mint Julep?
Traditionally, it is served in a metal Julep cup. A rocks glass is a practical alternative if a Julep cup is unavailable.
Is a Mint Julep strong?
It begins as a spirit-forward cocktail because bourbon is the main liquid ingredient, but the crushed ice gradually dilutes it as you drink.
Can I make Mint Juleps for a group?
Yes. Choose whether you're making 6, 12, 24 or 48 Mint Juleps and Drinkero calculates the bourbon, sugar syrup, mint and crushed ice quantities you need.
Is the Mint Julep an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Mint Julep is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as a Contemporary Classic. See the IBA’s official Mint Julep recipe for the classic specification.