Fresh Mint Julep

I can’t believe I made it to this age before trying a Mint Julep. I literally just had my first Mint Julep a few months ago at my friend’s Kentucky Derby party. So refreshing, slightly sweet and naturally minty, it’s definitely not the bourbon drink that I’m used to.

See, in the North we drink bourbon in the winter, maybe with a shot of vermouth and an orange rind, usually by the fire in an attempt to warm up. I like my bourbon with a few Amarena cherries over a big ball of ice that The Big Guy keeps in molds in the freezer.

I’ve always associated bourbon with warming up. I should have known that the South would do it better! Somehow they turned bourbon into an icy cool sipper that feels just like a Southern breeze. This Fresh Mint Julep will definitely be part of my warm weather rotation.

What’s in a Mint Julep?

A traditional Mint Julep is super simple – bourbon, muddled mint, sugar or simple syrup and lots of ice. I’ve never been a fan of adding sugar to my drinks. Simple syrup isn’t much better. I mean, it’s sugar and water. So, same difference. But what if we infuse the sugar water with real mint? It’s pretty easy to do and, in my opinion, using fresh mint simple syrup kills two birds with one stone – it sweetens this Fresh Mint Julep and adds the real mint flavor without having to muddle anything. And yes, it’s still sugar, but there’s something about mixing it with all that fresh mint that somehow makes me feel better about it.

How to make the Mint Simple Syrup

Infusing fresh mint and other herbs into syrups is very straightforward – equal parts herbs, water and sugar. Boil them together in a saucepan and let them simmer for a while to let the flavors merge. The longer you let the syrup sit, the deeper the herby flavors will be. The mint simple syrup we’re using in this Fresh Mint Julep can be used to flavor cocktails, ice cream and in baking. It will keep forever in the refrigerator and it’s a great way to use up your mint if it’s growing like crazy in your garden, like it is in mine.

What do we serve Mint Juleps in?

The fresh mint syrup in this Fresh Mint Julep makes the cocktail take on a flavor similar to sweet tea. So very Southern. What’s important here is to keep this cocktail as cold as possible. Most traditional Mint Juleps are served in insulated mugs, like the kind you’d use for mules. Copper mule mugs are designed to keep things icy, and they’re great to have for summer drinks. If you don’t have insulated mugs, just be sure to fill your glass up to the brim with ice. Double down on that fresh mint flavor by garnishing with more fresh mint, so you get a little whiff of it every time you take a sip. So crisp! Cheers!

Fresh Mint Julep

Naturally flavored with fresh mint syrup, this Southern cocktail is icy, sweet and refreshing for summer

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 shots bourbon
• 1 shot Fresh Mint Simple Syrup recipe below
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 cup firmly packed mint leaves
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions

 

• Stir together the mint leaves, sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before straining out the mint leaves and pouring into an airtight jar or container.
• Pour the bourbon and Fresh Mint Simple Syrup into a glass and stir gently. Pack the glass with ice and top with a few dashes of bitters. Garnish with extra sprigs of mint.

Keyword bourbon, cocktail, drinks

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!