Mint Julep How To Make A Mint Julep

Published 3/24/2023

Mint Julep Season!

Tis the season, friends! Spring has sprung here in Minneapolis, and the Kentucky Derby is right around corner, which has us craving a mint julep cocktail. Our take on a mint julep is made with a simple syrup, bourbon, and muddled mint — and it’s oh so easy to make. We’ll walk you through it!

What is a Mint Julep?

A mint julep is a cocktail made primarily of bourbon, with sugar and mint, served over ice. It’s commonly associated with the Kentucky Derby, and is often served at the event as well as viewing parties around the world.

What You Need

Fresh mint leaves Simple syrup Bourbon Ice

Easy Swaps

Honey simple syrup –> granulated sugar simple syrup: we LOVE our honey simple syrup recipe, but if you prefer to make a traditional granulated simple syrup for this mint julep, go right ahead! Bourbon –> rye whiskey: a traditional mint julep calls for bourbon, which has a sweeter flavor profile than rye whiskey. If you use rye whiskey instead, know that the cocktail will have a more earthy flavor, making it less sweet. You may need to increase the simple sugar used to compensate for this.

How to Make a Mint Julep

This mint julep recipe is as easy as 1-2-3. Especially if you already have a simple syrup on hand. Don’t have simple syrup? Learn how to make one below!

How to Make a Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is such an easy thing to make at home. It sounds intimidating, but let me tell you, it’s not! We’ll walk you through it: Storage: Store simple syrup in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.

Best Bourbon for Mint Juleps

Maker’s Mark Basil Hayden’s Woodford Reserve A rye whiskey would also work, but will give these mint juleps a more earthy flavor that is less sweet

Can I batch-make this cocktail?

To turn this single-serve cocktail into a pitcher, simply use our ingredient multiplier in the recipe card. Follow the recipe as is and then garnish each mint julep cocktail with a mint leaf or two. Honey Simple Syrup