How to Make a Mint Julep
The Mint Julep became synonymous with the Kentucky Derby in 1938, but the drink's roots go all the way back to Arabia – it was adapted from a drink called the "julab" made with rose petals instead of mint leaves.
Up next in How to Make Bourbon & Whiskey Drinks (10 videos)
Chardonnay is so passe. Why not try a bourbon or whiskey drink? The cocktail recipes are all in this Howcast video series.
You Will Need
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- 2 oz. Kentucky bourbon
- A rocks glass or Derby cup (a traditional sterling silver or pewter cup)
- Crushed or shaved ice
- A muddler or long-handled spoon
- And a swizzle stick
Steps
-
Step 1
Add mint
Set aside a few mint leaves for garnish, and place the rest in the bottom of the glass.
-
Step 2
Add simple syrup
Pour in 1/2 an ounce of simple syrup.
-
Simple syrup is simply sugar water, made by dissolving 2 parts unrefined sugar into 1 part boiling water. Let cool before using.
-
Step 3
Muddle combination
Muddle the combination gently to unleash—but not bruise—the mint's scent, flavor, and overall essence in the glass.
-
A muddler is a wooden rod used to mash up ingredients. If you don't have one, the back of a spoon works just as well.
-
Step 4
Add ice
Fill the glass with crushed ice.
-
Step 5
Add bourbon
Add two ounces of bourbon.
-
Step 6
Stir
Stir the cocktail.
-
Step 7
Garnish & serve
Add the mint leaves and swizzle stick as garnish, and serve. Now it's time to get your bets down.
-
The Mint Julep originally caught on in the colonial United States as a breakfast drink for farmers--it helped them wake up with a bang.
