Mint Julep: A traditional cocktail of the Kentucky Derby

Mint Julep a traditional bourbon cocktail of the Kentucky Derby made with fresh mints, mint simple syrup, and Bourbon.

This drink is not only  traditional cocktail but is also a southern tradition. Simple bourbon drink with freshness of mint and touch of sweetness served on crush ice.  It is  a typical summer drink. Icy, fragrant, and sweet in every sip.

What is Mint Julep?

 The drink originated in the southern United States, probably during the eighteenth century. Printable mention of this drink is in 1803.  Mint Julep  became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1983. Now, it is hard to think Derby without Mint Julep. It is also a favorite drink of US presidents.

This is ultimate bourbon cocktail with touch of sweetness and flavor from fresh mint. The magic of a this drink  is the result of a trio of flavors working together: Whiskey: Specifically, bourbon. Traditionally, spearmint is the mint of choice in Southern states, and in Kentucky in particular.As it is the most common type of mint used in American cocktails

How to make Mint Julep?

If you want to make an authentic mint julep, you need to use sugar instead of simple syrup. I like the simple syrup version as it mixes well in the cocktail.

You need  only 4 ingredients,

Bourbon : Use your favorite Bourbon Whiskey I used Jim Beam bourbon as I have it in hand.

Fresh mint sprigs : You need a few for making mint simple syrup, for muddling with bourbon and then for garnish.

Simple syrup : I used mint simple syrup; you can use  your favorite herb instead of mint.

Crushed ice: which is characteristic of this cocktail.

Making this cocktail is easy once you have made the  mint simple syrup,  just muddle few of the mint leaves with simple syrup and then add bourbon and ice and enjoy .

Usually is served in Silver Mint julep cups which are specially designed to hold the mixed alcoholic drink. Mint Julep is best enjoyed in a frosty-cold metal cup which  can hold up to 12.oz

Variation of Mint julep

I have made a classic version of Mint Julep

You can make variation by changing the flavors of simple syrup, with herbs like basil, pineapple etc.

Also adding fresh juice to julep like cucumber julep with cucumber juice, pineapple julep with pineapple juice, Hibiscus  julep with hibiscus tea.

If you like this cocktail here is other bourbon-based cocktails you give it a try.

Tail gate sipper

Spiced cider bourbon cocktail

Cranberry orange bourbon fizz

Rickey Ramazzotti

If are not a fan of making cocktails from scratch at home, there is the pre-made kit, you need to add some ice and enjoy. However, I feel these are simple cocktails you do not need to learn extra bar-attending skills. Just make with fresh mint from your garden and a simple syrup and your favorite brand of Bourbon.

If  you  try this recipe, please tag me @nidhinikhil  in Instagram and @zestysouthindiankitchen in Facebook.

You can make mint julep with other alcohol too, with brandy (Butchertown Julep) Tequila ( Añejo Julep) Gin (Hendrick’s Rose Julep) Rum( Bacardí Rum Julep) and Brandy (Jersey Julep).

Print Recipe

5 from 16 votes

Mint Julep

Mint Julep a traditional bourbon cocktail made with freshmints, mint simple syrup, and Bourbon.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bourbon Cocktails, Cocktailrecipes, Mint Julep

Servings: 1 servings

Calories: 374kcal

Author: Swathi (Ambujom Saraswathy)

Ingredients

Mint Julep

• 2 Ounce Bourbon
• 0.5 Ounce mint simple syrup
• 6-7 Mint leaves
• Crushed ice
• Mint Sprigs for Garnish

For Mint Syrup

• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 10-12 mint leaves

Instructions

For Mint Simple Syrup

• In a small bowl add ¼ cup sugar and ¼ water and bring to boil. Then add mint leaves
• Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, without stirring, until the syrup is slightly reduced and syrupy, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer the syrup to a bowl and let stand to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Discard the mint leaves.
• Let it cool to room temperature. Store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Mint Julep

• In a Julep cup add mint leaves, then add mint simple syrup. Lightly muddle the mint leaves with back of spoon or wooden muddle so that it releases mint leaves.
• Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed 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

Video

Notes

You can store mint simple syup  in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to  1-3 weeks 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 60g | Vitamin A: 680IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @nidhinikhil or tag #zestysouthindiankitchenrecipes!

Swathi

This is Swathi ( Dr. Ambujom Saraswathy Ph.D) from Zesty South Indian Kitchen who loves to explore cuisines from all over the world. Whenever possible I try to to give an Indian touch to several of the world cuisine, and has weakness for freshly baked bread.  All the recipes you see here are created by me and approved after taste-test by my family.