Classic Mint Julep
The Classic Mint Julep combines bourbon whiskey with fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice for a refreshing cocktail that’s simultaneously sophisticated and simple. Its cooling properties and aromatic profile make it perfect for warm weather enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 2-2.5 oz 60-75ml bourbon whiskey (preferably Kentucky bourbon)
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves plus additional sprig for garnish
- 1/2 oz 15ml simple syrup or 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Crushed ice enough to fill the glass
Instructions
- Prepare your glass by chilling a traditional silver julep cup or double old-fashioned glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes before starting. A properly chilled glass helps maintain the drink’s signature frostiness.
- Place mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of your chilled glass. If using granulated sugar instead of simple syrup, add a tiny splash of water to help it dissolve.
- Gently muddle the mint with the syrup using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon. Press just enough to release the oils without shredding the leaves—you’re aiming to bruise the mint, not pulverize it.
- Add a small amount of crushed ice to the glass, then pour in about half of the bourbon and stir briefly to combine and further chill the mixture.
- Fill the glass completely with more crushed ice, creating a mounded dome on top. The ice should be packed tightly to ensure proper dilution and that signature frost on the outside of the glass.
- Pour the remaining bourbon over the ice mound, allowing it to gradually filter down through the ice for proper dilution.
- Garnish with a generous mint sprig, lightly slapped between your palms first to release its aromatic oils. Position it near the straw so the aroma enhances each sip.
- Serve immediately with a short straw, inserted near the mint garnish so the drinker’s nose catches the mint aroma with each sip.
Notes
- For the best Classic Mint Julep, use the freshest mint you can find—spearmint is traditional but peppermint works too.
- If you don’t have crushed ice, place ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel and gently smash with a rolling pin or mallet.
- Traditional julep cups are made of silver or pewter, which frosts over beautifully, but any rocks glass will work well.
- For a more pronounced mint flavor, make mint-infused simple syrup by simmering 1:1 sugar and water with several mint sprigs, then cooling and straining.
- The quality of bourbon makes a significant difference—opt for something in the 90-100 proof range for a more robust flavor that stands up to dilution.