Mint Julep
More than just a drink, the Mint Julep is an experience. Famously the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, this iconic American classic is a bold, bracing, and intensely refreshing celebration of bourbon and fresh mint.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz Bourbon Whiskey
- ½ oz Simple Syrup (1:1)
- 8-10 Fresh Mint Leaves
- Garnish: A large, beautiful Mint Sprig
Instructions
- Prepare the Mint: Place the mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a chilled Julep cup or a sturdy rocks glass.
- Muddle Gently: Gently press the mint leaves with a muddler just enough to release their fragrant oils. Do not shred or tear the leaves, which would release bitterness.
- Add Bourbon and Ice: Pour the bourbon into the cup. Fill the cup about halfway with crushed ice.
- Stir Until Frosty: Stir the mixture with a long bar spoon, holding the cup by the rim or base, until the outside of the cup becomes coated in a thick layer of frost. This takes about 30 seconds.
- Top with Ice: Pack the cup with more crushed ice, forming a "snow cone" dome over the top.
- Garnish: Take a large mint sprig, slap it against your hand to release its aroma, and place it directly next to the straw in the ice dome. The aroma is a key part of the experience!
Pro Tips for Perfection
Crushed Ice is Mandatory: This is non-negotiable for a true Mint Julep. The fine ice chills the drink rapidly, creates the signature frosty exterior on the cup, and provides the perfect dilution as it melts. A Lewis bag and mallet are the traditional tools, but a clean towel and a rolling pin work just as well.
The Julep Cup: The iconic silver or pewter Julep cup isn't just for looks. The metal rapidly conducts the cold, allowing the beautiful frost to form on the outside and keeping the drink exceptionally cold. If you don't have one, a thick-bottomed rocks glass is the next best choice.