Kick back with this classic Mint Julep recipe! This iconic cocktail is your ticket to Southern comfort in a glass and is made with bourbon, fresh mint, and simple syrup.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
174
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 sugar cube
- 1 tsp soda water
- 5 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig and icing sugar - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Julep Cup or Old Fashioned Glass
- Muddler
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Add sugar cube: Place 1 sugar cube in your julep cup or old-fashioned glass
- Add Angostura bitters: Pour 5 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters over the sugar cube.
- Add soda water: Measure and pour 1 tsp soda water.
- Muddle: Muddle the sugar cube to make sure it will dissolve later on.
- Add mint: Place 6-8 fresh mint leaves in one hand and gently smack it with the other, to release its aromas. Add the mint to the mixture.
- Add Bourbon: Measure and pour 2 oz Bourbon into the glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass three-quarters full with crushed ice.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients.
- Add more ice: Top up with more crushed ice.
- Garnish: Place a mint sprig into the glass and sprinkle some icing sugar on top for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: You can use rye whiskey if you're out of bourbon. It'll give the drink a spicier kick. I've also used rum for a sweeter, more tropical vibe.
- Sugar cube: Simple Syrup: If you don't have a sugar cube you can swap it with a spoon of granulated sugar or you can make your own simple syrup by dissolving sugar in hot water. Alternatively, use a splash of agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Angostura bitters: Try a more citrusy variation using Orange Bitters.
- Mint Leaves: Peppermint extract can work in a pinch if you can't find fresh mint. Use sparingly, as it's potent.
Making a Pitcher of Mint Julep:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 48-64 mint leaves, 8 sugar cubes and 40 dashes of angostura bitters and some soda water.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, muddle the sugar cubes together with soda water and Angostura bitters. Add the mint, the simple syrup and the bourbon, and stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Julep cups or Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute or apple juice for a fruity twist.
- Angostura bitters: Try a non-alcoholic aromatic bitter.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic Mint Julep.
Making it Vegan:
- Simple Syrup: Ensure your simple syrup doesn't contain any animal-derived products. Most commercial simple syrups are vegan, but if you're making your own, use organic cane sugar that is certified vegan.
What is a Mint Julep Cocktail?
A Mint Julep is a quintessential Southern cocktail featuring bourbon, fresh mint, sugar and bitters. This drink is often associated with the Kentucky Derby, deeply rooted in American history. The name evokes images of Southern hospitality and warm summer days. The cocktail is recognized by the International Bartender Association(IBA) and they categorize the drink as one of the Contemporary Classics.
What is a Mint Julep made of – The ingredients
To begin making your own Mint Julep, gather these ingredients:
- Bourbon: Provides the robust, woody backbone of the cocktail.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Add a refreshing, herbal aroma and flavor.
- Angostura bitters: Add complexity and bitterness to the drink.
- Sugar cube: Sweetens the drink, balancing the strong and herbal elements.
- Soda water: Helps to dissolve the sugar cube.
- Crushed Ice: Chills the cocktail, making it refreshing and sippable.
- Mint Sprig: Serves as a garnish, enhancing the drink’s visual appeal and minty aroma.
