Mint Julep (Single Serve and Batched)

With the Derby just 4 days away, let’s make a classic Mint Julep. Fun fact: the Mint Julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938.

If you’re interested in a batched, pour-and-serve version, that is posted after the single serve version.

Recipe: Mint Julep

Ingredients:

1. ~6 to 8 large mint leaves*

2. ~0.5 oz simple syrup (I usually go just a touch under)

3. 2 oz Kentucky bourbon

4. Mint sprig for garnish

Build:

1. Add mint* and simple syrup to a julep cup or rocks glass, and muddle gently to release the oils from the mint.

2. Add bourbon to the glass, top with crushed ice (if you are able; normal cubes are fine otherwise), and stir to combine and chill.

3. Top with additional crushed ice if needed and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Note:

*If you would rather not muddle, you can leave the mint out and substitute the simple syrup with a mint simple syrup.

Batched Mint Juleps:

I’m giving you two prep options here. One to keep at room temp before serving, and one that is pre-chilled in the fridge or freezer. Both are built around half* of a standard 750 ml bottle. If you want to use the full bottle, just double everything.

Recipe: Batched Mint Julep (Unchilled Version/Shelf Stable)

Ingredients:

• ~12 oz (1.5 cups) Kentucky bourbon*

• 3 oz mint simple syrup

Build:

1. Add all components to an airtight container. I like flip-top bottles, but an old liquor bottle or even a mason jar works just fine.

2. Shake well and store at room temperature.

3. To serve, pour about 2.5 oz into a rocks or julep glass with ice, small cubes or crushed preferred. Stir to chill, garnish with a sprig of mint if you like, and enjoy.

Recipe: Batched Mint Julep (Pre-Chilled Version)

Ingredients:

• ~12 oz (1.5 cups) Kentucky bourbon*

• 3 oz mint simple syrup

• 6 oz (3/4 cup) water**

Build:

1. Add all components to an airtight container.

2. Shake well and store in the fridge or freezer, freezer preferred.

3. To serve, pour about 3.5 oz into a rocks or julep glass with ice, small cubes or crushed preferred. Garnish with a sprig of mint if you like, and enjoy.

Notes:

*Technically, a 750 ml bottle is about 25.36 oz, so a little more than double this recipe, but for a whole bottle just double the syrup and water and call it a day. In this case it is close enough.

** Pre-dilution is important for the chilled version. Since you are not relying on as much ice melt when serving, adding water ahead of time helps keep the drink balanced.