Mint Julep, According to the Former Official Mixologist of the Kentucky Derby

Name: Mint Julep, According to the Former Official Mixologist of the Kentucky Derby
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bunch mint; ½ ounce simple syrup (or more to taste); 2½ ounces high-proof bourbon; Crushed ice

7 steps

Use quality bourbon. It’s the only liquid ingredient, so go with a brand you’ll actually enjoy sipping. We’re fans of Bulleit Bourbon and Woodford Reserve. (P.S.: Using a higher-proof bourbon will keep the ice from melting as quickly.) Be careful with the fresh mint. “When you muddle your mint leaves, gently press and turn the muddler—don't shred your mint,” advises Joly. “You only want to release the sweet oils from the leaves.” “Feel free to use granulated sugar or simple syrup,” says Joly. “The exact ratio of syrup to bourbon is up to your taste. I like to use an overproof bourbon and let the ice melt to open up the cocktail.” You could use regular ice cubes…but it wouldn’t be the same. “The julep is meant to be a slow sipper on a hot day,” explains Joly. “Crushed ice is important, as the drink isn’t diluted at all, otherwise, before serving. It also gives the sides of the julep cup that wonderful frost.” Kids at the Derby party? Make them virgin mint juleps by substituting the bourbon with ginger ale, lemonade or sparkling water and lemon juice.

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 01:44:41 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Good

Glycemic Index

Moderate

Glycemic Load

Moderate

Nutrition per serving

Calories249 kcal (12%)

Total Fat0.5 g (1%)

Carbs17 g (7%)

Sugars8.6 g (10%)

Protein1.9 g (4%)

Sodium17.2 mg (1%)

Fiber4 g (14%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

1 servings

1 bunchmint

0.5 ouncesimple syrup

or more to taste

2.5 ouncesbourbon

high-proof

crushed ice

Instructions

Step 1

1. Wash and pat the mint dry. Strip the leaves from the lower part of the stems so all the sprigs have the top bouquet of leaves intact. Save the loose leaves for muddling.

Step 2

2. Take the stems with the bouquets attached and submerge them upside-down in ice water for 10 to 20 minutes. If you’re just making a few cocktails for you and your roommates, feel free to skip this part. But if you’re having guests, this step ensures that the mint is bright and perky, rather than droopy and wilted.

Step 3

3. Remove the mint bouquets and pat them dry. Cut the stems at an angle with a knife and place them cut side-down in a glass of room temperature water. If you’re preparing the mint a day ahead, loosely cover the glass with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.

Step 4

Make the Cocktail

Step 5

1. Place eight to ten loose mint leaves into the julep cup or glass. Pour in the simple syrup and muddle them together gently.

Step 6

2. Add the bourbon. Add some crushed ice and stir with a bar spoon.

Step 7

3. Top with more ice (Joly says not to be shy—the cocktail needs dilution.) Spank your reserved mint bouquet to release its oils and nestle it into the julep cup or glass to garnish.

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