The Mint Julep Cocktail is a simple drink composed of bourbon, sugar, mint and crushed ice and is best known for being the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby.
The Mint Julep Cocktail first appeared in print in 1803 in John Davis’ book “Travels of Four and a Half Years in the United States of America.” Mr. Davis wrote that the Mint Julep is a “dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning.”
I’m not going to recommend you start your day with a Mint Julep like they did in the beginnings of the 19th Century; but sipping one mid day while enjoying this auspicious horse race? Surely; you won’t be alone.
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Since its appearance in the late 1700’s, the Mint Julep has remained popular, but the julep itself is actually a category of drinks featuring a spirit served over crushed ice. The first juleps were made with cognac or even peach brandy. After an epidemic during the mid-1800s that infected France’s grapevines and temporarily hindered their cognac trade, whiskey became the julep’s go-to liquor in the US.
The Mint Julep is traditionally served in a silver julep cup piled high with crushed ice, or ice pebbles. I’ve done that multiple times with different flavors over the years, but I’ve been remiss to include the standard, the one that started it all, the simple Mint Julep Cocktail!
For that ice, I’ve got an ice cube tray to make little ice cubes (affiliate link) but I’ll also stop by a Sonic Drive-In if I have the time and buy a bag of their ice pebbles. It’s the preferred way but not always possible so I’ll either try my blender or if really desperate put ice between two towels and hit the cubes with a mallet…I crush them myself!!
Since the bourbon is the only liquid in the glass make sure it’s one of good quality; I used both Bulleit and Maker’s Mark and love them both. A slightly higher-proof bourbon—something in the mid-80s or around 90—will keep the crushed ice from diluting the cocktail too quickly.
The ONLY caveat I will sometimes make with the original Mint Julep Cocktail is to use Demerara sugar in lieu of granulated; I like that hint of molasses and use it in all of my warm drinks like coffee and tea, why not this bourbon one too?
Sure, the Mint Julep is typically consumed on Derby Day, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying one whenever the mood strikes. I’ve made so many variations; thought you might enjoy those too!
Friday Race at Churchill Downs
Triple Crown Races
PIN IT! ‘Mint Julep Cocktail’
Mint Julep Cocktail
The quintessential cocktail for The Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep Cocktail is a sweetened, minty bourbon forward cocktail that deserves more than one day!
In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup.
Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with ice.
Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside.
Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig.
1/4 cup granulated or demerara sugar
1/4 cup water
Bring sugar and water to boil, turn off heat and let set until sugar and melted and combined thoroughly with the water. Remove from the pan and put into a jar and refrigerate until cold.
You can make any amount of simple syrup; always use a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Mint Julep Cocktail
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
