April 25, 2022
Food & Drink,
The Kentucky Derby bills itself as the most exciting two minutes in sports, but what is everyone so excited for? Is it the horse race, the big hats, or the excuse to enjoy the Derby’s delicious and refreshing signature cocktail?
The mint julep is a must for any hot weather day, regardless of who’s racing and when. If you’ve got good bourbon, some mint leaves, simple syrup and ice, you’ve got yourself one delectable drink—but what if you don’t have bourbon? Can you still enjoy a mint julep?
See also: Check Out the New Orleans-Inspired Cocktail Syrups You Can Have Right At Home
There’s more than one way to win with the mint julep recipe, and we’ve gathered a few classics and thoughtful twists to ensure you can make a mint julep any day, your way. There’s even a mocktail recipe for those who aren’t so interested in all that alcohol.
Woodford Reserve’s Classic Mint Julep
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Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, so if you want to sip like the folks over at Churchill Downs, this would be the way.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. straight bourbon whiskey
- ½ oz. Woodford Reserve mint julep cocktail syrup (or any simple syrup)
- 3 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
Directions:
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass. To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice. Stir. Garnish with more ice, fresh mint and powdered sugar.
Rum Julep
Not so into bourbon, or just happen to have a bottle of light rum in your cabinet? The spiced, tropical spirit make a wonderful julep, too. This recipe comes courtesy of the New York Times.
Ingredients:
- 10 mint leaves, plus a few sprigs for garnish
- 2 tsp simple syrup
- 2 oz. light rum
- Crushed ice
Directions:
Muddle mint with simple syrup in a julep glass or old-fashioned glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Add light rum and stir well, until glass frosts. Garnish with mint sprigs.
Mint Julep with Cognac
Born in the South and beloved for decades. Try the classic Mint Julep featuring Rémy Martin 1738.
— Rémy Martin Cognac US (@remymartinUS) August 19, 2021
Make your own. Order 1738 now: https://t.co/MWoIpwXwzb
Recipe:
2 oz V.S.O.P
8 mint sprigs
1/2 oz sugar syrup pic.twitter.com/b7NkjQ4wYt
Cognac is another great mint julep base, thanks to its nutty-sweet flavor profile. Rémy Martin shares the following recipe for a decadent sip.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rémy Martin VSOP
- Mint sprigs
- ½ oz simple syrup
Directions:
Add 8 mint sprigs and the sugar syrup to a mixing glass. Add crushed ice and 2 oz Rémy Martin VSOP. Shake until frosted, then pour the cocktail into a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Strawberry Jalapeno Mint Julep
We found this fun and fruity take on the classic bourbon cocktail on Instagram, courtesy of the Liquor Wine Time online alcohol retailer. This one comes with a kick!
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup chopped strawberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 (12-oz.) can seltzer
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 2 jalapeños, halved
- 8 fresh mint leaves, more for garnish
- Ice
- Red jalapeño, sliced, for garnish
- Strawberry for garnish
Directions:
Add water, sugar and jalapeños over medium heat. Boil the mixture. Bring heat down to a simmer. Continue for 10 minutes. Take the mixture off the heat and cool it. Discard the cooked jalapeños. In a glass, muddle mint and strawberries. Add bourbon and simple syrup. Jam the glass with ice, and finish with a seltzer. Garnish with red jalapeño, mint and a strawberry for a summery kick
Mint Julep Mocktail
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For a tasty sip without the morning hangover, try this summery mint julep mocktail from food and lifestyle blog Taste of the Frontier.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2 sprigs fresh mint, more for garnish
- 8 ounces ginger ale
Directions:
Pour lemon simple syrup (or lemon juice and simple syrup) in a small glass with the mint sprigs and muddle well. Refrigerate this muddled mint mixture for 30 to 60 minutes to infuse the mint flavor into the syrup. Fill a low ball glass with ice. Pour 1½ ounces of your mint/lemon mixture into each glass. Top with ginger ale to fill. Garnish with additional mint.
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