17 Southern Living Classic Mint Julep Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!

Published on: Apr 17, 2024

The mint julep is a classic southern cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its refreshing mix of mint, sugar, and bourbon has made it a staple at southern gatherings, especially during the hot summer months. While there are many variations of this iconic drink, the classic mint julep recipe remains a fan favorite. Here's how you can make it at home and impress your guests with your bartending skills.

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Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Water, White Sugar, Mint Leaves, Bourbon, Mint
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Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that originated in the southern United States and is often associated with the Kentucky Derby. This refreshing drink is traditionally made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice, and is served in a silver or pewter cup. However, there are many variations of this delicious drink that you can try at home. Here are 20 different recipes for Mint Julep that will take your taste buds on a journey.
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Classic Kentucky Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup, Ice Cubes, Crushed
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The Classic Kentucky Mint Julep is the original recipe for this iconic drink. It calls for bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint leaves, and is served over crushed ice in a silver cup. The key to making a perfect Mint Julep is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to muddle the mint leaves gently to release their aroma without bruising them.
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Cognac Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Mint, Sugar, Cognac
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If you want to put a twist on the classic recipe, try making a Cognac Mint Julep. This version uses cognac instead of bourbon, giving the drink a smoother and more complex flavor. You can also add a splash of Cointreau or triple sec for a citrusy kick.
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Classic Southern Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Mint, Superfine Sugar, Bourbon, Crushed Ice
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This Southern mint julep recipe is pretty close to the iconic Derby Day ...
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The Classic Southern Mint Julep is a variation of the original recipe that is popular in the southern states. It uses bourbon, sugar, and mint, but instead of serving it in a silver cup, it is served in a tall glass filled with crushed ice. This drink is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
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Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Crushed Ice, Simple Syrup, Bourbon, Mint
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The Kentucky Derby Mint Julep is the official drink of the famous horse race. It is made with bourbon, sugar, and mint, but it also includes a splash of peach brandy for a fruity twist. This drink is best enjoyed while watching the race and cheering on your favorite horse.
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Frozen Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Mint Syrup, Sugar, Water, Fresh Mint, Mint, Crushed
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If you want a Mint Julep with a slushy texture, try making a Frozen Mint Julep. This recipe calls for blending bourbon, sugar, and mint leaves with crushed ice until it reaches a smooth consistency. It's a refreshing and unique way to enjoy this classic drink.
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Mint Julep Mocktail

Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Granulated Sugar, Lemon Juice, Fresh Mint
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For those who don't drink alcohol, a Mint Julep Mocktail is the perfect alternative. This recipe uses all the traditional ingredients of a Mint Julep, but replaces the bourbon with ginger ale. It still has the same refreshing taste and is perfect for any occasion.
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Classic Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Mint Leaves, Powdered Sugar, Bourbon, Crushed Ice
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If you want to stick to the traditional recipe, a Classic Mint Julep is the way to go. This recipe calls for a shot of bourbon, a teaspoon of sugar, and 8-10 fresh mint leaves. It's a simple but delicious drink that is perfect for any bourbon lover.
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Blackberry Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bourbon Whiskey, Simple Syrup, Crushed Ice
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The Blackberry Mint Julep is a sweet and fruity twist on the classic recipe. It calls for muddling fresh blackberries with mint leaves and sugar, then adding bourbon and crushed ice. The result is a beautiful and delicious drink that is perfect for summer.
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Margarita Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bacardi R Mixers Margarita Mix, Bacardi R Rum, Mint
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If you love margaritas and Mint Juleps, why not combine them? The Margarita Mint Julep is a unique and tasty blend of tequila, mint, lime juice, and agave nectar. It's perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of a kick in their drinks.
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Chocolate Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup, Bourbon, Crushed Ice, Water
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If you have a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Mint Julep is the perfect drink for you. It combines bourbon, creme de cacao, and creme de menthe for a rich and indulgent flavor. It's like a dessert in a glass.
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The Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Branca Menta, Mint, Simple Syrup
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The Mint Julep is a slightly different take on the classic recipe. It calls for bourbon, mint, and ginger beer instead of sugar. The result is a slightly spicier and more refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.
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Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

Main Ingredients: Fresh Mint Leaves, Crushed Ice, Granulated Sugar
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The Classic Mint Julep Cocktail is a simple but delicious variation of the traditional recipe. It calls for bourbon, sugar, and mint leaves, but also adds a splash of club soda for a little bit of fizz. It's a great drink for those who enjoy a little bit of bubble in their cocktails.
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Mint Julep Popsicles

Main Ingredients: Water, Demerara Sugar, Mint, Bourbon
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For a fun and unique way to enjoy a Mint Julep, try making Mint Julep Popsicles. This recipe involves blending bourbon, sugar, and mint leaves and pouring the mixture into popsicle molds. It's a refreshing and boozy treat for a hot summer day.
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Grapefruit Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Simple Syrup, Sugar, Water, Mint, Bourbon, Grapefruit
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The Grapefruit Mint Julep is a citrusy and refreshing twist on the classic recipe. It combines bourbon, grapefruit juice, and mint leaves for a unique and delicious flavor. It's perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of tartness in their drinks.
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Mint Julep Sorbet

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Mint, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice
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The Mint Julep Sorbet is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. It combines bourbon, sugar, and mint leaves with a simple syrup and is then churned in an ice cream maker. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy the flavors of a Mint Julep.
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Mint Julep Granitas

Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Mint, Bourbon, Powdered Sugar
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If you want a Mint Julep with a slushy texture, but don't have a blender, try making Mint Julep Granitas. This recipe involves freezing a mixture of bourbon, sugar, and mint leaves in a shallow dish and then scraping it with a fork to create a granita-like texture. It's a simple and refreshing treat that is perfect for a hot day.
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Woodford Reserve Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Sugar Syrup, Mint Leaves, Mint
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The Woodford Reserve Mint Julep is a premium version of the classic drink. It calls for Woodford Reserve bourbon, fresh mint leaves, and a simple syrup made with brown sugar and water. It's a smooth and flavorful drink that is perfect for special occasions.
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Classic Mint Julep Bar

Main Ingredients: Water, White Sugar, Fresh Mint Leaves, Ice, Simple
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For a fun and interactive way to enjoy Mint Juleps, set up a Classic Mint Julep Bar at your next party. Provide a variety of bourbons, sugar, fresh mint leaves, and crushed ice, and let your guests mix and match to create their own perfect Mint Julep.
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Mixed Berry Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Mint, Berries, Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup
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The Mixed Berry Mint Julep is a sweet and fruity twist on the classic recipe. It calls for blending bourbon, mixed berries, mint leaves, and sugar until smooth, and serving it over crushed ice. It's a delicious and colorful drink that is perfect for summer parties. These are just 20 of the many different ways you can enjoy a Mint Julep. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of these variations, you are sure to find a Mint Julep that suits your taste. So grab your ingredients, a silver cup (or a tall glass), and enjoy a refreshing and delicious Mint Julep today.

Ingredients

Bourbon

The key ingredient in a mint julep is, of course, bourbon. It is recommended to use a high-quality bourbon for the best taste. Some popular choices include Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, and Bulleit Bourbon.

Sugar

To sweeten the cocktail, you will need sugar. Traditional recipes call for white granulated sugar, but you can also use powdered sugar for a smoother consistency.

Mint Leaves

The star of the show is the mint! Fresh mint leaves will give your julep that refreshing and aromatic flavor. Be sure to use spearmint or peppermint, as they are the most commonly used varieties in this drink.

Water

You will also need some water to make a simple syrup. This will dissolve the sugar and infuse the mint flavor into the drink.

Instructions

Muddle the Mint

Start by placing a handful of mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup or highball glass. Gently muddle the leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the essential oils and flavors.

Make the Simple Syrup

Next, you'll need to make a simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using.

Add the Bourbon

Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour in two ounces of bourbon over the ice. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

Add the Simple Syrup

Pour one ounce of the simple syrup over the bourbon and ice. This will add the perfect amount of sweetness to your drink.

Garnish and Serve

Top off your mint julep with more crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing, southern-inspired cocktail. Now that you have the classic mint julep recipe, you can impress your friends and family with your bartending skills. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations of this drink, such as adding a splash of peach or raspberry syrup, or even substituting the bourbon with another spirit. Cheers to a delicious and refreshing cocktail!
17 southern living classic mint julep recipe Unleash your inner chef!

Mint Julep

yield: 8 total time: 30 minutes
4.3 Stars (27 reviews)
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves packed
  • 32 ounces bourbon Kentucky
  • 8 sprigs mint fresh, for garnish, optional

Nutrition

  • Calories : 480 calories
  • Carbohydrate : 51 grams
  • Sugar : 50 grams
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