Kentucky Mint Julep
The official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, made with muddled fresh mint, simple syrup, and good Kentucky bourbon served over crushed ice in a frosty silver or pewter cup.
Ingredients
- 4 oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey
- 16 leaves fresh mint leaves (plus sprigs for garnish)
- 2 tbsp simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
- 2 cups crushed ice
- as needed powdered sugar (optional, for rim)
Instructions
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1
If you don't have simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water), make it by combining equal parts sugar and warm water in a small glass and stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool.
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2
Place 16 leaves fresh mint leaves (plus sprigs for garnish) in the bottom of each julep cup or rocks glass. Add 2 tbsp simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) and gently muddle the mint — press and twist just enough to bruise the leaves and release the oils. Do not shred the mint.
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3
Pack each glass tightly with 2 cups crushed ice, mounding it above the rim.
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4
Pour 4 oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey over the ice. Stir briefly with a bar spoon to combine and chill.
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5
Add more crushed ice if needed to maintain the mound. Garnish generously with a fresh mint sprig pressed close to the straw so the aroma reaches the nose on every sip. Dust the mint garnish with powdered sugar (optional, for rim) if desired. Serve immediately.