Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

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The Mint Julep stands as one of the most famous bourbon cocktails in American history.

This classic drink combines bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice. It creates a refreshing drink perfect for warm spring and summer days.

The Mint Julep has been the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938.

Each year, bartenders serve around 120,000 Mint Juleps during the two-day event at Churchill Downs.

The drink’s roots go back to the 1700s, when people enjoyed it as a medicinal tonic.

The cold metal cup gets frosty when filled with crushed ice, making this cocktail extra cool and crisp.

Tasting Notes

The Mint Julep tastes sweet and refreshing with bright mint flavors.

The bourbon brings notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak that blend with the crushed ice and simple syrup.

Fresh mint adds a cool, crisp aroma before each sip.

The drink starts sweet on the tongue and finishes with the warmth of bourbon.

As the ice melts, the drink becomes more mellow and balanced.

The silver julep cup keeps the cocktail ice-cold until the last drop.

Key flavor notes:

• Sweet mint
• Vanilla
• Caramel
• Oak
• Light citrus

The texture changes as you drink it.

It begins very cold and slightly syrupy, then becomes more diluted and smooth as the ice melts.

A well-made Mint Julep tastes clean and bright.

The mint should complement the bourbon without taking over the drink.

Substitute

A mint julep can still taste great without bourbon whiskey.

Rye whiskey makes a strong replacement and adds spicy notes to the drink.

Aged rum brings sweet tropical flavors.

It keeps the drink’s spirit-forward style.

The rum’s molasses and vanilla notes pair well with fresh mint.

For a non-alcoholic version, use ginger ale or ginger beer instead of bourbon.

Mix it with mint simple syrup and crushed ice for a refreshing mocktail.

Alternative spirits to try:

• Tennessee whiskey
• Canadian whiskey
• Dark rum
• Brandy
• Cognac

The traditional mint julep uses crushed ice, but regular ice cubes also work.

The drink may be less frosty but will still taste good.

Fresh mint is key, but you can use mint extract in a pinch.

Add 2-3 drops to the simple syrup to capture the mint essence.

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