Mint Julep Recipe
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Apr. 19, 2025
This Mint Julep recipe is crisp, classic, and endlessly refreshing. With just 3 ingredients, it delivers a bold, cool sip that’s perfect for porch sitting, patio lounging, or Derby Day parties.
In This Article
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What is Mint Julep?
Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail best known as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. It’s a super refreshing drink, especially on warm days, made with ingredients like bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and ice.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
We’re all about classic cocktail recipes, and this Mint Julep Recipe is about as classic as they come. Here’s why we love it:
- So Refreshing: There’s nothing like an ice-cold Mint Julep on a warm day. It’s crisp, cool, and totally hits the spot, like our 3-Ingredient Lemonade Margaritas.
- 3 Ingredients: This cocktail couldn’t be easier to shake up – perfect for a quick summer drink.
- Made for Sharing: The infused simple syrup makes enough for multiple rounds. Just add bourbon and ice, and you’re party-ready.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the mint-infused syrup ahead of time, which makes it great recipe for parties and gatherings! It reminds us of our Hawaiian Mai Tai.
- Derby Day Classic: Mint Julep is the signature sip of the Kentucky Derby, and even though I’ve never been, it brings the tradition right to my porch.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Mint Leaves – Mint is the star of our recipe. It adds a refreshing, aromatic flavor that is the hallmark of a great mint julep. We use a whole cup of fresh mint leaves to ensure that the flavor really shines through.
- Good Quality Bourbon – We recommend using a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor. The bourbon is the main spirit in this cocktail, so it’s important to use one that you enjoy the flavor of.
- Water and Granulated Sugar: These are the base of our simple syrup, and we use just enough to ensure it’s sweet enough to balance the bourbon.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some variations and substitutions for this recipe:
- Lemony: Add some lemon or lime juice to the infused simple syrup for a citrusy take on this classic.
- Sweetener: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can easily substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar-free alternative.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Boil sugar and water. Add mint leaves and boil for one minute. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to infuse. Strain the syrup and set aside.
- When ready to serve, add the desired amount of infused syrup to a glass. Add crushed ice, bourbon, and a splash of water. Stir well and garnish with a mint sprig.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Infused Simple Syrup: The mint-infused simple syrup can be made ahead of time. Allow it to cool and then store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
What To Serve With Mint Julep
Snacks & Appetizers
- We love sipping a Mint Julep with classic Southern bites like Deviled Eggs or Candied Pecans. They’re easy, elegant, and made for mingling.
- It also goes great with a bowl of crispy kettle chips or salted nuts – perfect for laid-back afternoons on the patio.
Main Dishes
- Mint Juleps pair perfectly with Baked Honey Ham or crispy Southern fried chicken. The sweet, minty bourbon cuts through the richness like a charm.
- We also like serving it with Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork sliders at casual gatherings – it’s a crowd-pleaser and super easy to prep ahead.
Salads
- We often serve our Mint Juleps with a fresh Peach Caprese Salad. The juicy peaches and fresh basil are a beautiful match for the mint.
- It also goes great with a Strawberry Salad with Asparagus or a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for something a little lighter.
Commonly Asked Questions
What type of mint is best for a Mint Julep?
For the best mint julep, we recommend using whole, fresh spearmint leaves.
What type of bourbon is best for a Mint Julep?
Since bourbon is the star of this cocktail, it’s important to use a good quality one. Look for a bourbon that has a smooth and mellow flavor, as well as a nice balance of sweetness and oakiness.
How long does Mint Julep last?
The mint julep, when prepared, should be consumed immediately for the best flavor. However, you can prepare the mint-infused simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Did you make this?
Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!
Mint Julep Recipe
This Mint Julep recipe is easy, fresh, and perfect for a warm evening on the porch or with friends! Aside from water and ice, you only need 3 ingredients!
Ingredients
For the Infused Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, whole, plus more for garnish
For the Cocktail:
- 4 cups crushed ice
- 4 ounces good quality bourbon
Instructions
- Over medium heat, add sugar and water in a small pot. Bring to a boil. Add the 1 cup of mint leaves and boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes to infuse. Strain the infused syrup into a container and set aside. Any leftover syrup can be stored in the fridge for future use.
- When ready to serve: To highball glass or silver Julep cup, add desired amount of cooled infused simple syrup.
- Add 1 cup crushed ice, bourbon, and splash of water. Add enough of remaining ice to almost fill glass. Stir well and garnish with mint sprig.
Notes
- The Mint Julep is traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup. This isn’t just for looks! The metal cup frosts beautifully, keeping your drink colder for longer.
- If you’re planning to make a big batch of Mint Juleps, consider making the infused simple syrup the day before. This will save you time and allow the mint flavor to intensify.
- Use good quality bourbon for your Mint Julep. It’s the star of the show, so you want a bourbon that’s smooth and flavorful.
- If you’re serving your Mint Julep in a silver cup, prechill it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will keep your drink colder for longer.
- This recipe is part of our Drinks Recipes Collection.
- We love sipping a Mint Julep with classic Southern bites like Deviled Eggs or Candied Pecans.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 3mg | Sugar: 100g | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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