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Mint julep served in a silver julep cup garnished with a sprig of mint next to a green and white striped straw.
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Mint Julep

Strong, sweet, and heady with the fragrance of fresh mint, mint juleps are a popular classic for good reason. The simple combination of good bourbon, rich simple syrup, and aromatic mint leaves is supremely refreshing. And it's a cocktail that is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. This delightful drink is perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring or just for cooling down whenever summer gets hot.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword classic, cocktail, easy, Kentucky Derby, quick, spring, summer
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 drink

Equipment

  • julep cup
  • muddler

Ingredients

  • 2½ ounces bourbon
  • ½ ounce rich simple syrup (or honey simple syrup)
  • few sprigs fresh mint
  • lots of crushed ice

Instructions

  • Pluck several mint leaves from their stem and place them in the bottom of your julep cup. (Aim for around 6 to 8 large leaves...or more if they are small.)
  • Add the simple syrup, and then gently press the mint leaves into the syrup with a muddler.
  • Add the bourbon. Then fill the cup about half full with crushed ice.
  • Stir until the bourbon is well chilled and the outside of the cup becomes very frosty, at least 30 seconds.
  • Add more crushed ice until the cup is very full and the ice forms a little dome on top.
  • Garnish with a large mint sprig, pop in a straw, and enjoy!