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Mint Julep recipe - classic Kentucky Derby cocktail in a frosty cup with crushed ice and fresh mint

Mint Julep

The classic Kentucky Derby cocktail — smooth bourbon and homemade mint simple syrup over a mountain of crushed ice in a frosty cup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the mint simple syrup:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 packed cup fresh mint leaves
For the cocktails:
  • 8 ounces Kentucky bourbon (1 cup)
  • 32 to 40 fresh mint leaves 8 to 10 per cup, for muddling
  • About 6 cups crushed ice
  • Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Method
 

  1. Simmer the sugar and water until dissolved; remove from the heat, add the mint, cover, and steep 15 minutes.
  2. Strain the syrup, discard the leaves, and chill until cold.
  3. Chill 4 julep cups or rocks glasses in the freezer.
  4. Gently muddle 8 to 10 mint leaves in each cup — press, do not shred.
  5. Add 1 ounce mint syrup and 2 ounces bourbon to each cup.
  6. Fill each cup with crushed ice, mounded above the rim.
  7. Stir until the cup frosts, then top with more ice.
  8. Garnish with a slapped mint sprig, add a short straw, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Crushed ice is essential — it builds the frost and dilutes the drink at the right pace.
  • Muddle gently; shredded mint turns bitter and grassy.
  • The mint syrup keeps up to 2 weeks in the fridge and is great in lemonade or iced tea.
  • For a zero-proof julep, swap the bourbon for strong iced tea or ginger ale.