Go Back

Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail featuring fresh mint leaves muddled with sugar and bourbon, served over crushed ice. It has a refreshing aroma with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor and a chilled, slushy texture that makes it ideal for warm weather. The drink is typically garnished with extra mint for visual appeal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

  • 10 leaves fresh mint leaves for muddling and garnish
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar to create the simple syrup base
  • 2 oz bourbon main spirit of the cocktail
  • 1 cup crushed ice to fill the glass and chill the mixture
  • garnish extra mint sprig for presentation

Equipment

  • Muddler
  • Cocktail glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Ice crusher or blender

Method
 

  1. Place the fresh mint leaves and sugar into a sturdy muddler. Gently press and twist the leaves until fragrant and slightly bruised, releasing the mint oils and producing a light green mash.
    10 leaves fresh mint leaves, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  2. Add the bourbon to the muddled mint and sugar mixture. Stir with a bar spoon for about 10 seconds to combine and dissolve the sugar further, ensuring the mint flavor infuses the alcohol.
    2 oz bourbon
  3. Fill a cocktail glass with crushed ice, leaving some space at the top. Use an ice crusher or blender to produce fine, snow-like crushed ice if not already prepared.
    1 cup crushed ice
  4. Pour the bourbon and mint mixture over the crushed ice. Gently stir with a bar spoon to chill and combine the ingredients, creating a slushy, icy consistency.
    2 oz bourbon, 1 cup crushed ice
  5. Garnish the drink with a fresh sprig of mint and an additional small mint leaf on top for aroma and presentation. Serve immediately while the mixture remains cold and slushy.
    10 leaves fresh mint leaves, garnish extra mint sprig