The Kentucky Derby is the perfect sporting event. It’s only about three minutes long, is full of drama and excitement, features some of the most magnificent creatures on this planet, and it has its own signature cocktail: The Mint Julep. Derby Day is one of the best holidays. If you are a sports fan, you should love it. If you’re not, you should still love it.
In my family, Bourbon is one of the few things we can all agree on. It’s pretty much that, Disney World, and watching competition shows on Food Network. Basically everything else manages to cause some level of conflict.
But Bourbon, we have got that down. While we don’t always order it the exact same way (Mom is a Lynchburg Lemonade type, one sister likes a Bourbon Ginger Ale, and I’m most likely to order mine neat), we can all agree that a few mint leaves muddled with sugar does nothing but improve the perfect liquor into the perfect cocktail.
So here’s how I make them: with fresh picked mint, sugar, ice, and enough Maker’s Mark (one of my home bar essentials) to fill the glass. I like to buy a mint plant from the grocery store or farm market. I’ll inevitably kill it, because I have a black thumb. But while it’s alive, there’s no fresher or tastier mint.
For the ice, traditionally a mint julep is served over crushed ice. If you want to break down your cubes (or if you have a fancy fridge that gives you crushed ice) feel free to go that way. I prefer the cubes, which keep the drink cool without watering it down too much.
To muddle the mint and sugar together, I prefer a true muddler. I keep one as part of my home bar. However, if you don’t have one on hand, you can use the back of a thick wooden spoon. When muddling, rub the mixture along the sides of the glass to get more of that yummy mint oil in your drink.
Let’s Make a Mint Julep
Derby Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 4-5 Mint Leaves
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Oz Bourbon (I like Maker's Mark)
- Ice cracked or crushed
Instructions
- Add the mint leaves to the bottom of a pre-chilled glass or traditional silver julep cup.
- Add the sugar, and lightly muddle along with the mint. Be sure to brush the sides of the glass with the mint as well.
- Add ice to the top of the glass, pour the Bourbon over it, and stir. Feel free to add more Bourbon as necessary, or a splash of water if you prefer it less strong.
- Serve with a straw and garnish with a mint sprig.
I’m so excited for the Derby – and the juleps!
Me too, one of my favorite times of year, enjoy!
I have never had a mint julep before! But I always hear mixed reviews. Maybe I will try to make up a recipe myself for this weekend and use this! Thank you so much for sharing!
They are divisive! If you like bourbon, you’ll love it, but if you’re not a whiskey fan it might not be your favorite. I hope you enjoy!
Ooooh ayes please! My mouth is watering just reading this. It sounds beyond delicious! I love anything with mint!
I agree! Mint just makes everything so delicious and refreshing. I hope you get to enjoy one or two this weekend!
I’m not much of a drinker, but this sounds good!
They can be strong! If you’re not used to drinking, I’d suggest adding some club soda to your first one, and mixing well!
I love Mint Juleps!! Such a staple at the Kentucky Derby. I’m so craving one now!
Right? Totally my favorite time of year, just for the cocktails.
I can’t wait to make this Mint Julep this weekend!!! I love using the crushed ice. 🙂
I tend to lean toward cracked ice, but crushed I think is more traditional. Enjoy your juleps!
My family all agrees on bourbon too 🙂 and fresh mint! A pair made in Heaven!
Sounds like a smart family! I don’t know what it is about that combo, but I agree that mint and bourbon just go.
I learned about Mint Juleps from reading “Gone with the Wind”! It was the Southern ladies’ way of enjoying the bourbon that the menfolk drank neat. Now that I’ve learned about small batch bourbons, I drink my “good bourbons” neat, and save the cheaper stuff for the cocktails! Happy Derby Day! Gotta find a racing form to see who is running.
I agree! I love drinking my fancier local bourbons neat, but I still use Makers to mix up my mint juleps (or any other bourbon cocktail I might be drinking). Have a good Derby Day!