Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail synonymous with the American South and dates back more than two centuries, made with bourbon, mint leaves, simple syrup and crushed ice.

The Mint Julep is a truly distinct cocktail and offers a cooling, minty taste from the mint leaves, which blends perfectly with the rich, smooth caramel notes of bourbon and the sweetness of simple syrup.

The history of the Mint Julep cocktail is as muddled as its Mint Leaves, with much debate surrounding its origins. Though closely associated with the Kentucky Derby, its roots stretch back much further. 

Believed to have originated in the southern United States during the eighteenth century, the Mint Julep’s alleged earliest known mentions date back to 1770, including in a satirical play.

The cocktail has evolved over time. In 1793, it was described as “a tumbler of Rum and Water, well sweetened, with a slip of Mint in it.” An 1862 cocktail book even shows it made with Cognac and Jamaican Rum, with the now-standard Whiskey version listed as a variation.

In the nineteenth century, Americans enjoyed Mint Juleps made not only with Bourbon but also with the Dutch Gin, Genever. However, by the twentieth century, Bourbon-based Mint Juleps overshadowed Gin-based Mint Juleps.

The Mint Julep as we know it today gained widespread popularity at the Kentucky Derby in 1938, where it was sold and marketed at the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Kentucky. Today, it’s the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby.

Chill your Rocks Glass
A chilled Glass is always a good idea, but for the Mint Julep, it’s vital. Starting with a chilled Glass ensures that every sip of your delicious Mint Julep remains perfectly cool and satisfying right until the end.

Use Crushed Ice
While many slow-sipping cocktails like the Negroni or New York Sour are served with a large, slow-melting Ice Cube, the Mint Julep calls for Crushed Ice. It melts quickly, aiding in dilution and keeping the drink icy-cold and perfectly balanced.

Muddle gently!
Muddling involves gently pressing fruits, herbs, or spices to release their flavors. Typically, you use a twisting motion similar to using a mortar and pestle. When muddling Mint Leaves, aim to gently “bruise” them without crushing them. Crushing the leaves can release bitterness, which you want to avoid.

Kiwi and Mint Julep
This alcohol-free Mint Julep is the perfect mocktail for lounging about on warm summer days. Lime Juice, Simple Syrup mixed with muddled Kiwi Fruit and Mint Leaves. Man, this one hits the spot.
Discover our Kiwi and Mint Julep recipe.

Gin Julep
A nod back to the nineteenth century where Mint Juleps were often made with Gin, this variation follows the exact same recipe as the Bourbon version but – you guessed it – uses Gin instead.
Discover how to make a Gin Julep.

Absolut Citron Julep
This uniquely zesty and citrus-forward Mint Julep variation uses Absolut Citron Lemon-Flavored Vodka as its base, mixed with Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, and the obligatory Mint Leaves. Now that’s fresh! Check out our Absolut Citron Julep recipe.

Traditionally, the Mint Julep is served in an iconic sterling silver Julep Cup. However, since not everyone owns one, we recommend using a Rocks Glass filled generously with Crushed Ice.

Although our recipe here does not include a garnish, the most common choice is a Mint Sprig. Some also suggest adding a few drops of Bitters for an extra touch.