The mint julep is a long-standing favorite beverage in much of the Southern United States. Traditionally served in silver or pewter cups, this lightly sweet, minty, boozy concoction is the perfect foil for a hot, humid Southern evening. The mint julep is the traditional beverage of Kentucky’s famous Derby in the spring.
Mint Julep
Course: Alcoholic, BeveragesCuisine: United States, Southern-Soul1
servingTraditionally served in silver or pewter cups, this sweet, minty, boozy concoction is the perfect foil for a hot, humid Southern evening.
Ingredients
Spearmint — 10 leaves plus 1 nice sprig
Sugar — 2 teaspoons
Water — 1 tablespoon
Kentucky bourbon whiskey — 2 to 3 ounces
Crushed ice
Directions
- Chill a julep mug or a tall glass in the freezer. Rub the mint leaves to release some of their fragrance.
- Add the mint leaves, sugar and water to the chilled mug or glass and stir, crushing the leaves lightly, to dissolve the sugar.
- Stir in the bourbon, then add crushed ice to fill the mug or glass. Stir until the outside of the mug or glass frosts over.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve with a straw.
Mint Julep Notes and Variations
- Using mint-flavored simple syrup: Use 2 teaspoons of mint syrup instead of sugar. To make, add 1 cup of water, 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup loosely packed mint leaves to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar, for about 10 minutes. Let cool, strain, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
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