17 Southern At Heart Mint Julep Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Apr 8, 2024
The mint julep is the quintessential cocktail of the American South, often associated with the Kentucky Derby and warm summer evenings on the front porch. But this refreshing and iconic drink is more than just a simple mix of bourbon and mint. The perfect mint julep is a carefully crafted balance of flavors, and our southern at heart mint julep recipe is sure to hit all the right notes. So grab your favorite bourbon and get ready to sip on a taste of the South with our step-by-step guide to making the perfect mint julep.
Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup, Ice Cubes, Crushed
The classic Kentucky Mint Julep is a refreshing and iconic cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Made with bourbon, mint, and simple syrup, this cocktail is a staple at the Kentucky Derby and is loved by many.
2of 20
Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Water, White Sugar, Mint Leaves, Bourbon, Mint
The Mint Julep is a simple and delicious cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Made with bourbon, mint, and a touch of sugar, this drink is a crowd favorite.
3of 20
Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Mint Leaves, Sugar Cubes, Makers Mark Whisky, Mint
The Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep is a twist on the classic cocktail, made with bourbon, mint, and a splash of brandy. This drink is sure to impress your guests and add a little extra kick to your summer sipping.
4of 20
Cognac Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Mint, Sugar, Cognac
If you're looking for a more sophisticated take on the classic Mint Julep, try the Cognac Mint Julep. Made with cognac, mint, and a touch of simple syrup, this cocktail is perfect for a night of fine dining.
5of 20
Classic Southern Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Mint, Superfine Sugar, Bourbon, Crushed Ice
This version of the classic Mint Julep is a staple in the southern states. Made with bourbon, mint, and a touch of peach schnapps, this cocktail is sweet and delicious.
6of 20
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Crushed Ice, Simple Syrup, Bourbon, Mint
The Kentucky Derby Mint Julep is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby and has been for over 100 years. Made with bourbon, mint, and simple syrup, this drink is a must-try for any horse racing fan.
7of 20
Marvelous Kentucky Derby Style Mint Julep Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Mint, Bourbon, Simple Syrup
This version of the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep adds a twist with the addition of strawberries and blackberries, giving it a fruity and refreshing flavor. Perfect for sipping on the sidelines of the race.
8of 20
The Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Branca Menta, Mint, Simple Syrup
The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Made with bourbon, mint, and a touch of simple syrup, this drink is easy to make and perfect for any gathering.
9of 20
Honey Peach Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Peach, Sugar, Water, Mint, Honey, Bourbon, Fresh Mint
A sweet and fruity twist on the classic Mint Julep, the Honey Peach Mint Julep is made with bourbon, mint, and honey for a delicious and unique flavor.
10of 20
Mint Julep Watermelon
Main Ingredients: Bourbon Whiskey, Fresh Mint, Chopped Fresh Mint, Sugar
This refreshing and summery cocktail is made with watermelon, mint, and vodka, giving it a sweet and fruity twist on the classic Mint Julep.
11of 20
Blackberry Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Water, Fresh Mint Leaves, Blackberries, Ice
The Blackberry Mint Julep is a sweet and fruity version of the classic cocktail. Made with bourbon, mint, and blackberry liqueur, this drink is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
12of 20
Peach Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Peach, Fresh Mint Leaves, Bourbon, Angostura Bitters
For a taste of the south, try the Peach Mint Julep. Made with bourbon, mint, and sweet peach schnapps, this cocktail is perfect for sipping on a porch swing.
13of 20
Mint Julep Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Fresh Mint Leaves, Lemon, Lime, Bourbon, Tea, Mint
This refreshing drink combines two southern favorites, iced tea and the Mint Julep. Made with bourbon, mint, and iced tea, this cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day.
14of 20
Sweet Tea Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Mint Leaves, Tea Bags, Bourbon, Crushed
A twist on the Mint Julep, this cocktail combines the classic flavors of sweet tea with bourbon and mint for a refreshing and unique drink.
15of 20
Simple Sweet Tea Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Sweet Tea, Fresh Mint Leaves, Bourbon, Ice, Slice Of
For an even simpler version of the Sweet Tea Mint Julep, try this recipe which just uses sweet tea and bourbon. Perfect for a quick and easy cocktail.
16of 20
Brown Sugar-Peach Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Water, Dark Brown Sugar, Fresh Mint Leaves, Peaches
This unique twist on the Peach Mint Julep adds a touch of brown sugar for a richer and sweeter flavor. Perfect for sipping on a hot summer evening.
17of 20
Kentucky Derby Sugar Free Keto Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Mint Leaves, Liquid Stevia, Angostura Bitters
For those following a keto diet, this version of the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep is made with sugar-free sweetener and bourbon, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
18of 20
A Mexican Mint Julep – A Mezcal Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Mezcal, Mint Leaves, Brown Sugar, Water, Jalapeno
This unique twist on the classic Mint Julep features mezcal instead of bourbon, giving it a smoky and spicy flavor that is perfect for those who love a little kick in their cocktails.
19of 20
Frozen Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Mint Syrup, Sugar, Water, Fresh Mint, Mint, Crushed
For a frozen treat, try this version of the Mint Julep that blends ice cream with bourbon and mint for a creamy and delicious cocktail.
20of 20
Margarita Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Bacardi R Mixers Margarita Mix, Bacardi R Rum, Mint
This unique fusion of two classic cocktails, the Margarita Mint Julep is made with tequila, lime juice, and mint for a refreshing and tasty drink that is perfect for any occasion.
The Key Ingredients
When it comes to making a mint julep, the quality of your ingredients is crucial. The star of the show is, of course, the bourbon. Make sure to choose a good quality bourbon with a smooth and balanced flavor. Some popular choices for a mint julep include Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Knob Creek. Mint is another key ingredient, and it's important to use fresh mint sprigs for the best flavor. Simple syrup is also essential for adding a touch of sweetness to the cocktail. You can easily make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heating until the sugar dissolves. Finally, crushed ice is a must for the classic mint julep texture and to keep the drink cool.
Muddling and Mixing
To make the perfect mint julep, start by muddling a handful of mint leaves and a spoonful of simple syrup in the bottom of a julep cup or glass. This will release the oils and flavors from the mint leaves, infusing the drink with its signature taste. Next, add in your bourbon of choice and stir to combine. Fill the glass with crushed ice, packing it tightly to create a frosty texture. Garnish your mint julep with a sprig of fresh mint and a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Alternative Options
While the classic mint julep is made with bourbon, there are also some delicious variations to try. For a fruity twist, try using peach or strawberry flavored bourbon. You can also switch out the mint for other herbs like basil or rosemary for a unique flavor profile. And for a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon and replace it with club soda or ginger ale for a refreshing mocktail.
In Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned mint julep connoisseur or just discovering this iconic cocktail for the first time, our southern at heart mint julep recipe is sure to impress. With the perfect balance of bourbon, mint, and simple syrup, this drink is a true taste of the South. So grab your julep cup and enjoy a sip of summer with our easy and delicious mint julep recipe.