

You don’t even need to make simple syrup! Smooth and sweet, with the aroma of mint in every sip and a little fresh lemon juice added to round out the whole thing… it’s the best whiskey cocktail of your life that’s SO easy to make from home with four ingredients in only 5 minutes. Grab some bourbon and mint and tune in on Saturday, May 5th around 6:30 PM est for the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby.If you’re looking for the BEST Mint Julep cocktail recipe, look no further my friends. There you have it, now you are ready to enjoy this weekend's Kentucky Derby. Top with ice and stir until the glass becomes frosted. Pour the bourbon, mint sugar syrup and puree into an old-fashioned glass. 1 oz mint sugar syrup (see recipe in Mint Julep Margarita above)ĭirections: To make the blueberry puree, combine 2/3 of a cup of blueberries with 2 tablespoons of the mint sugar syrup and blend in a food processor.Blueberry Mint JulepĬoined the “Mint Blulep” by The Straight Up, our take on this cocktail combines the classic mint julep base with blueberries for a sweeter, more complex spin on things. Pour over ice into a salt-rimmed (optional) margarita glass or highball glass and garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime. Combine the tequila, bourbon, juice of one lime, and 3 oz of the mint sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and leave to cool before straining. Mix the three ingredients together in a pan, bring to a simmer, and stir occasionally.
#BEST RECIPE FOR A MINT JULEP PLUS#
Bunch of fresh mint, plus extra for garnishĭirections: Create a sugar syrup using water, sugar, and mint.This zesty drink is a nod to the classic mint julep, with a distinctively Mexican twist thanks to the addition of tequila and lime. For those who don’t enjoy the spicy, sweet, and minty blend of this timeless cocktail, here are a couple of delicious mint julep alternatives you can reach for instead. Mint Julep Alternativesĭespite its Derby Day popularity, the mint julep isn’t for everyone. Check out this article from GQ for some helpful hints to help you decide on the best bourbon for mint juleps. We love Makers Mark, Wild Turkey, and Four Roses Single Barrel, but it all comes down to personal choice. With over 20 Kentucky distilleries producing over 200 brands of bourbon, there’s no shortage of options. Naturally, as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, using a Kentucky bourbon for your mint julep is the way to go. This will diminish the notes of the liquor, so there’s no need to reach for top-shelf bourbons.īartenders generally recommend you opt for high-proof bourbons, as the ice in the julep will slowly dilute the bourbon as it melts. In reality, when it comes to the mint julep, the muddled blend of sugar and mint will detract from the flavor profile of the bourbon. What is the best bourbon for making mint juleps?Īs bourbon is the star of this cocktail, many people make the mistake of thinking only premium bourbons should be used. Garnish with an extra sprig of mint and serve immediately.įor those who prefer to tone it down a notch, there’s also the option to add a dash of seltzer, bitters or ginger ale. Pour in the bourbon, fill the glass with ice and stir until the glass becomes frosted on the outside. This will break down the leaves and release essential oils into the mixture. ¼ oz simple sugar syrup (or 1 teaspoon of caster sugar)ĭirections: In a julep cup, highball glass or old-fashioned glass, muddle the sugar syrup with the mint leaves.The original and the best, the traditional mint julep recipe uses only three basic ingredients: We’ve provided our go-to mint julep recipe, along with the best bourbons to use for mint juleps and the best mint julep alternatives for those who aren’t fans of this sweet, bourbon-based blend. With minimal ingredients and no fancy equipment needed, the mint julep is an easy cocktail to master at home. This refreshing concoction is making a serious comeback in bars across the United States and the rest of the world as more mixologists tip their hats to the old faithful. The Mint Julep traditionally consists of a blend of bourbon, sugar syrup, fresh mint leaves, and ice. With the Derby coming up this weekend we thought it was ideal time to fill you in on the perfect Mint Julep recipe. It’s estimated that over 120,000 mint juleps are served at Churchill Downs every year. The Mint Julep is best known as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. The mint julep is a classic southern cocktail with a rich history dating all the way back to the 18 th century.
