Refreshing Classic Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
A simple and satisfying bourbon cocktail with fresh mint and a touch of sweetness, perfect for warm evenings and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves (preferably spearmint)
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
- Optional: lemon twist or splash of soda water
- Optional: mint-infused simple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare your simple syrup by combining ½ cup water with ½ cup granulated sugar in a small pot. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Cool before using (approx. 10 minutes).
- Pick 8-10 clean, fresh mint leaves, avoiding woody stems.
- Place the mint leaves gently in your julep cup or glass. Using a muddler, press lightly 3-4 times to release the oils without pulverizing.
- Pour in ½ oz of the cooled simple syrup over the muddled mint.
- Add 2 oz straight bourbon into the glass.
- Fill the glass full with crushed ice, mounding some on top to keep the drink cold longer.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for 10-15 seconds to blend syrup, mint, and bourbon without bruising the mint further.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, giving it a quick slap between your hands to release aroma before placing it in the glass.
- Serve immediately while the ice is still crunchy and the mint fragrance is at its peak.
Notes
Lightly bruise the mint leaves instead of pulverizing to avoid bitterness. Use crushed ice for better chilling and slower dilution. Cool simple syrup before adding to prevent melting ice too quickly. Chill glass beforehand for extra cold drink. Adjust sweetness by varying syrup amount or adding soda water to lighten strength.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approxim
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10
- Carbohydrates: 10
Keywords: mint julep, bourbon cocktail, classic cocktail, refreshing drink, summer cocktail, mint, bourbon, simple syrup