How to Make a Mint Julep

Guide Note

If you're having a Kentucky Derby Party, or just watching the race, you may want to be sipping a mint julep, which has been the traditional Derby drink since 1938. This guide will show you how to make this tasty drink, so you're ready when race day arrives!

Table of Contents

Mint Julep Tips

  1. Make the mint syrup the night before.
    • You can extract or muddle the mint if you don't have time to make syrup.
  2. Use a silver or pewter cup if you want the traditional frosted cup.
  3. If you substitute vodka for the bourbon, you're making a Kremlin Colonel.
  4. Non-traditional garnishes include orange slices, pineapple, and cherries
  5. Prior to the Civil War, mint juleps were made with whiskey or brandy

Introduction

(Creative Commons photo by pbody)
(Creative Commons photo by pbody)
  • The mint julep has been associated with the Kentucky Derby since 1938. Even people who are not usually fond of bourbon have been known to quaff this minty concoction on Derby Day. You don't need to travel to Kentucky to enjoy a julep, however. This guide will teach you how to prepare this Southern favorite no matter where you live!

What You'll Need

Ingredients

Equipment

Ingredients for Mint Syrup

There are several methods for giving the julep its mint flavor. If you are making a last minute decision to have a julep, this recipe demonstrates a technique that uses a mint extract. You can also muddle the mint and sugar, as in this recipe.

Prepare the Mint Syrup

  1. Add 6-8 springs of fresh mint to 2 cups of simple syrup.
    • Bruise or bend the mint leaves before adding them to the syrup, to prime their flavor.
    • For extra mint flavor, add the mint to the sugar and water as you make your simple syrup.
  2. Allow to steep overnight.
  3. Strain, and discard the mint leaves.
  4. Refrigerate until ready to prepare the juleps.

Making a Mint Julep

  1. Fill a 10 ounce glass, or julep cup, with crushed ice.
  2. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of mint syrup.
    • Adding extra syrup can make the drink more appealing to those new to mint juleps.
  3. Add 2 ounces of bourbon.
  4. Stir well to combine.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Everybody loves juleps. Creative Commons photo by Melissa Bridgman)
Everybody loves juleps. Creative Commons photo by Melissa Bridgman)

Mint Julep Tips & Tricks

  •  Guide's Choice The traditional silver cup is used because it "frosts" up from the ice.
  •  Guide's Choice The Food Network suggest sprinkling powdered sugar on top of the ice as a final garnish.
  •  Guide's Choice Spearmint is traditional. If you can't find spearmint, though, peppermint will do.

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Resources and References for How to Make a Mint Julep

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