Authentic Southern Mint Julep Recipe
If It's Hotter Than Hell, You Need a Mint Julep
Whether it's Kentucky Derby season or just hotter than hell outside, a classic bourbon mint julep chills and refreshes. Sugar, muddled mint, bourbon, and (keyword) tons of crushed ice, a mint julep is like drinking an ice pack, which is essential on a torturous Southern Summer day.
I'm not one for turning on the stove when I don't have to, so this cocktail comes together without making mint simple syrup. Instead, we'll let the bourbon do the work of dissolving the minty-sugar mixture.
As for those silver julep cups, the metal seems to keep the beverage cooler for longer (don't quote me on that science) plus adds an additional menthol-like element to the cocktail's flavor. It's sort of like how a moscow mule tastes best in a copper mug.
Easy Mint Julep
From POPSUGAR Food

Ingredients
- 4 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
1-2 teaspoons sugar, depending on sweetness preference
2 ounces bourbon
Crushed ice
Directions
- In a double old-fashioned cocktail glass or silver mint julep cup, tear up mint. Add sugar and a small splash of bourbon. Muddle until mint leaves are pulpy. Add bourbon, and stir until sugar dissolves. Top with ice, and garnish with mint sprig.
Information
- Category
- Drinks, Cocktails
- Cuisine
- North American
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Total Time
- 4 minutes, 59 seconds