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Need the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail? Here you go with this classic Mint Julep recipe!
In honor of the Kentucky Derby race, we celebrated by making our own Mint Juleps! The Mint Julep was first prescribed in 1784 for stomach issues, and in 1803 was described in a book in London as, “a dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning.” In the nineteenth century juleps were made with both bourbon and Jenever, an aged gin.
Mint Julep Cocktail
Churchill Downs has promoted Mint Juleps since 1938. Each year around 120,000 this classic mint julep recipe are served over the 2 day race period. That’s a lot! While Woodford Reserve is the official whiskey of the Kentucky Derby, we chose another Kentucky Bourbon, Knob Creek, which is one of our favorites. Also, try our brand new Mezcal version with our Mexican Mint Julep!
How Much Does it Cost for a Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby?
Well, about $1,000, and it’s made by Woodford Reserve. I don’t know about you, but I can make it much cheaper at home! So make this recipe!
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Rocks Glasses / Lewis Bag & Mallet (for that perfect crushed ice!)
What Ingredients are Needed for the Mint Julep?
- Bourbon
- Simple Syrup
- Mint
Cheers!
Like this recipe? Try these below, too!
The Recap – A Port Wine Cocktail
Other Julep Recipes
- Orange Mint Julep – I’m Bored, Let’s Go….
- HIbiscus Honey Mint Julep – Honey and Birch
- Blackberry Lemon Mint Juleps – Striped Spatula
- Blueberry Mint Juleps – The Speckled Palate
- Strawberry Rhubarb Julep – Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Other Kentucky Themed Cocktails
- Kentucky Ale-8-One – Garden and Gun
- Kentucky Buck – Saveur
- Blackberry Sage Kentucky Mule – The Gastronom
- The Kentucky Maid – Food Republic
- Kentucky Corpse Reviver – Serious Eats
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Kentucky Derby Mint Julep - A Bourbon Cocktail
A celebration cocktail for the Kentucky Derby or anytime for a refreshing drink. This classic mint julep recipe is a tasty one!
Ingredients
- mint sprig
- 5 mint leaves
- 1 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz bourbon
- crushed ice
Instructions
Clap the mint leaves between her hands to release the oils, rub the inside of the glass with them, place them in the bottom of the glass.
Fill glass with crushed ice.
Add in simple syrup, bourbon and fill the glass with ice until it mounds over the top.
Garnish with mint sprig.
Cheers!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 282Total Fat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 41mgCarbohydrates: 38.6gFiber: 2.3gSugar: 0gProtein: 1.1g
PIN THIS KENTUCKY DERBY MINT JULEP RECIPE FOR LATER!
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My Husband would love this!!!
It was pretty tasty!
i’m suddenly feeling stomach issues coming on 😉 I better self prescribe! hehe, Thanks for the recipe!
I know, right?! Thanks, doctor!
I love me some bourbon!
So do we!
Two things: My daughter started a new tradition of making mint juleps for Easter! And my grandmother collected mint julep Kentucky Derby glasses (although we’ve never been allowed to use them to actually drink anything out of!). Your recipe is different I think from the one my daughter uses, which I believe has the mint in as part of the syrup.
We really like the fresh mint, but the mint in the syrup would be interesting!
Sounds delicious. This past weekend I realized I’ve never actually tried a mint julep so this may be the recipe for me to try one!
Its about as close as you can get to the real thing! Give it a try its pretty tasty tho it might be a bit strong for those who aren’t regular bourbon drinkers!
Sounds like a very refreshing drink!
Yep, great for warm summer nights!
This looks really good! I bought some bourbon a while ago to make some special bread pudding, so this is a great excuse to ‘use up the leftovers’ 😉
Sounds like a great plan!
My husband would love it for sure. I would like to try it though. I’m curious how it tastes like. 🙂
It’s not for the faint of heart! Just add a bit more simple syrup if it’s too strong!
This sounds so yummy.
It’s pretty tasty!
I’ve never had one but that picture is making my mouth water for one!!! I love me some delicious whiskey so I bet this is amazing.
Bourbon is a little sweeter than whiskey, so it makes it a very smooth drink.
Yummmm! I remember drooling over your Instagram picture!!!!
Thanks! Hope you try one!
I would love to be sipping on one of those right now…yum!
It’s so good!
I adore the layers of colors in this mint julep! It truly is a beautiful cocktail!
Thanks! It’s a great classic and a tasty one, cheers!