Original Mint Julep cocktail recipe
Written by 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.