Classic Mint Julep Cocktail With Fresh Mint And Crushed Ice

If you’re looking for a drink that’s got Southern charm and a whole lot of chill, the Mint Julep is it.

It’s sweet, smooth and just minty enough to keep things fresh while the bourbon brings that slow warming heat. It’s the kind of drink that doesn’t need a million ingredients to make you feel like you’re in vacation mode. Just a heavy pour of bourbon, crushed ice and a little fresh mint and you’re good to go.

Whether you’re going all in for Derby Day or just want a drink that makes a regular Tuesday feel a little fancier, the Mint Julep knows how to show up and chill. It’s cool, classic and way easier to make than it looks.

What Is a Mint Julep and Why It’s a Southern Classic

The Mint Julep isn’t just a drink… it’s a whole mood. It’s that slow, laid-back summer vibe poured over ice. Just bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup and a heap of crushed ice. Simple but bold.

This one’s got roots in the South, where it’s been the go-to cocktail for everything from front porch hangs to the Kentucky Derby. But you don’t need a fancy hat or a racetrack to enjoy it.

The key is in the balance. The bourbon’s rich and warm, the mint’s cool and refreshing and the ice? It keeps it all perfectly chilled. It’s that perfect combo of sweet, strong and icy that makes you want to kick back and take your time with it.

And yeah, it might look fancy in a silver cup, but it’s way easier to make than it looks… and once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat all summer.

Tips To make This Southern Sip At Home

The Mint Julep is all about easy summer vibes… smooth bourbon, fresh mint and a heap of crushed ice. It’s sweet, bold and icy cold, the kind of drink that takes its time and lets you do the same.

Want to make it right? Keep these tips in mind:

• Go heavy on the ice: Crushed ice is the move. It keeps the drink frosty and slows down the bourbon burn.
• Muddle gently: Press the mint just enough to release the oils without tearing the leaves. Too much muddling and you’re sipping mint bits.
• Chill your glass first: A cold glass keeps the ice from melting too fast and the bourbon from getting too watery.
• Go fresh on the mint: Old, wilted mint is a no. You want it crisp and fragrant so the aroma hits before the first sip.
• Sip it slow: Juleps aren’t meant to be chugged. Let the ice melt a little, let the bourbon mellow out. It’s a slow drink for a reason.

Keep it classic or play around with flavors… either way, it’s cool, classic and way easier to whip up than it looks.

Best Foods to Pair with a Mint Julep

A Mint Julep is bold, sweet and just a little minty… so you want food that’s light, salty or a little smoky to balance it out. Here’s what to serve:

Fried chicken sliders: Crunchy, salty and a little spicy… the perfect counter to that icy bourbon hit.

Pecan pie: Rich, nutty and just sweet enough to play off the mint. Plus, it’s a Southern classic.

Grilled peaches: Charred, juicy and a little smoky… add a drizzle of honey and you’re golden.

Bourbon-glazed donuts: Sweet, boozy and a nod to the bourbon in the glass.

BBQ pulled pork: Smoky and savory… the mint keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Cheese board with sharp cheddar and candied pecans: Salty, sweet and just fancy enough to feel like a celebration.

Serve up a few of these and your Mint Julep goes from good to unforgettable.

The Quintessential Southern Cocktail

This Mint Julep recipe features fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, and your choice of bourbon, served over crushed ice. It’s a sweet, minty delight that balances the warmth of the whiskey with refreshing herbal notes, creating a harmonious blend that’s both uplifting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2 Oz Bourbon
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig for garnish

Zero-proof version: Swap the bourbon for mint tea or a splash of ginger ale. Keep the mint and simple syrup, pile on the crushed ice and finish with a mint sprig. Same chill vibe, no buzz.

Instructions

1. Muddle Mint: In a sturdy glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup to release the mint oils, being careful not to tear them too much.
2. Add Bourbon: Pour the bourbon over the muddled mint and syrup mixture.
3. Fill with Ice: Pack the glass with crushed ice, forming a small mound on top.
4. Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh mint for garnish and serve with a straw to enjoy the aroma.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 153 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g

Mint Julep Variations and Easy Twists to Try

Once you’ve nailed the classic Mint Julep, it’s time to mix things up. Keep that bourbon-mint base and switch up a few ingredients to make it your own. Here’s how:

• Berry Mint Julep: Muddle in some fresh berries (like blackberries or raspberries) with the mint for a fruity twist.
• Peach Julep: Swap the simple syrup for peach syrup or muddle in some fresh peach slices. Sweet, juicy and just right for summer.
• Spicy Mint Julep: Add a splash of ginger beer or muddle in a jalapeño slice for a little heat.
• Rum Julep: Swap the bourbon for dark rum for a Mojito-meets-Julep vibe… minty, sweet and a little tropical.
• Zero-Proof Julep: Skip the bourbon and use mint tea or a splash of ginger ale instead. Same minty chill… no buzz.
• Maple Mint Julep: Replace simple syrup with maple syrup. Adds a rich, warm sweetness that plays up the bourbon’s caramel notes.

Play around, taste as you go and find your go-to spin on this Southern classic.

Need inspiration for some other Whiskey or Bourbon based cocktails? Why not try an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan?

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Mint Julep

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Learn how to make the perfect Mint Julep! With bourbon, fresh mint, and crushed ice, this classic southern drink is ideal for summer entertaining

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 1 Tbsp simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 60 ml Bourbon
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle Mint: In a sturdy glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup to release the mint oils, being careful not to tear them too much.
2. Add Bourbon: Pour the bourbon over the muddled mint and syrup mixture.
3. Fill with Ice: Pack the glass with crushed ice, forming a small mound on top.
4. Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh mint for garnish and serve with a straw to enjoy the aroma.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 153Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.