Classic Bourbon Mint Julep

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/8/24
Tested by
Tom Macy
Photo of Tom Macy
Tested by Tom Macy
Tom wears many cocktail hats. He is a professional bartender, bar owner, recipe creator, and drink writer, though he prefers the title "obsessive cocktail nerd."
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

The Mint Julep is an iconic bourbon cocktail you definitely don't want to miss. Drinks this popular can sometimes seem difficult to recreate, but this recipe is incredibly easy and only requires a few ingredients.

Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

The Spruce Eats/Madhumita Sathishkumar

Where Does the Mint Julep Come From?

The Mint Julep is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, which has helped propel the cocktail's popularity. Tens of thousands of Mint Juleps are served at Churchill Downs in Louisville, and countless more are enjoyed by fans watching the race throughout the country.

What Ingredients Are in the Mint Julep?

Beyond the bourbon, sugar, and mint, the only other requirement for this drink is crushed ice. Other types of ice won't create the same result, so take the time to make a nice mound of crushed ice before mixing this cocktail.

Why Are Julep Cups Traditionally Silver?

Traditionally, Mint Juleps are served in silver cups that are held by the handle or rim so the cup maintains optimum frost. The Mint Julep's signature serving vessel is a miniature mimic of the silver cups won by jockeys at the Kentucky Derby. With a balance of sweet, smoky, and herbal flavors, the Mint Julep will indeed make you feel like you're winning at life. If you don't have a silver cup, don't stress—you're still a winner—the drink works just as well in any tall glass.

Tips for Making Your Best Mint Julep

  • Muddle the mint—The intention is to release the essential oils, not tear the leaves to bits.
  • Double-duty muddler—Use your muddler to make crushed ice. Place ice cubes in a Lewis bag (a cloth bag made specifically for this purpose) or wrap them in a towel and whack it with your muddler until the cubes become finely crushed ice. This is a wonderful and safe stress reliever, too.
  • Stirred, not shaken—Once you build the drink, take the time to stir it gently until the glass gets frosty. This should take at least 30 seconds, but the longer you do it, the better.
  • Invest in the bourbon—It's best to choose one of the higher-end brands for the simple fact that bourbon is the drink's only liquid. Though it's sweetened and flavored, you'll primarily taste whiskey.
  • Aromatherapy—Before garnishing with the mint sprig, gently clap it between your hands to release the aromatic oils.
  • Sip 'n snack—Mint Juleps are good for sipping but also pair nicely with Southern appetizers. Try pairing with pickled shrimp, deviled eggs, and pimiento cheese.

"The Mint Julep is one of the great all-time cocktails. Stiff and thirst-quenching, there's nothing quite like it on a hot day. Use the smallest ice cubes you can. The extra dilution chills the drink way down and takes the edge off the bourbon. This recipe has my ideal ratios, absolutely delicious." —Tom Macy

Classic Bourbon Mint Julep in a copper mug garnished with mint
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 fresh mint sprigs, leaves only, plus springs for garnish

  • 2 sugar cubes, or 1/2 ounce simple syrup

  • 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients to make classic mint julep

    The Spruce Eats/Madhumita Sathishkumar

  2. Place 4 to 5 fresh mint sprig leaves and 2 sugar cubes, or 1/2 ounce simple syrup into a julep cup, collins glass, or double old-fashioned glass. Muddle well to dissolve the sugar and release the oil and aroma of the mint.

    Pour simple syrup into cup.

    The Spruce Eats/Madhumita Sathishkumar

  3. Add 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whisky. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well until the glass becomes frosty. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve.

    Stirting ice in mint julep.

    The Spruce Eats/Madhumita Sathishkumar

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

  • A simple syrup infusion—As an alternative to muddling the mint and sugar, you can infuse simple syrup with mint, and skip right to pouring and stirring. Making mint simple syrup is a good way to preserve fresh mint that's starting to get old.
  • Add-ins—Try adding a slice of orange, maraschino cherries, or crystalized ginger as a garnish.
  • Chill out—The taste of the Mint Julep is also captured fantastically in a frozen ice pop. It's perfect for the hot days of summer.

How Strong Is a Mint Julep?

The Mint Julep has a pleasant taste, but it includes a long shot of bourbon and little else to knock down its alcohol content. If you make it with an 80-proof whiskey, it should weigh in somewhere around 28 percent ABV (56 proof). The drink will be even stronger with higher proof bourbons. It's best to enjoy this one nice and slow.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
181 Calories
0g Fat
5g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 181
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 1mg 4%
Calcium 12mg 1%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 29mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)