Kentucky Mint Julep

Name: Kentucky Mint Julep
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey; 16 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)

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.

5 minEasyServes 2185 cal/serving

AmericanAlcoholic DrinkNo-CookStandardLow CarbGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

4 oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey
16 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

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.
2

Place 16 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.
3

Pack each glass tightly with 2 cups crushed ice, mounding it above the rim.
4

Pour 4 oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey over the ice. Stir briefly with a bar spoon to combine and chill.
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.

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Questions

What is 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. This reference files it under American alcoholic drink: made without cooking, rated easy and about 5 minutes start to finish.

Is there a substitute for powdered sugar in Kentucky Mint Julep?

The entry for Kentucky Mint Julep calls for as needed powdered sugar (optional, for rim). In its place: Blend granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cornstarch per cup until fine.

Can I make Kentucky Mint Julep without alcohol?

The alcohol here is 4 oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey. Replace a base spirit with the same volume of a zero-proof spirit, or with chilled tea or tonic for bite; replace sparkling wine with sparkling water and a squeeze of citrus. Keep every other line as written, and expect a lighter, sweeter drink, since alcohol also carries bitterness and body.

Is Kentucky Mint Julep low-carb?

A serving of Kentucky Mint Julep carries 12 g of carbohydrate. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 60 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 12 percent.

How many calories are in Kentucky Mint Julep?

One serving (the recipe makes 2) is about 185 calories, with 0 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate and 0 g fat, plus 5 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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