Hey, Welcome to my little corner of the internet Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I want to tell you about Mint Julep Recipe, a special drink that holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, I have fond memories of hot summer days spent sipping on ice-cold mint juleps along with Disaronno Drink and Matcha Lime Fizz with my family.
The sound of ice clinking against the silver cups, the fragrant aroma of fresh mint, and the smooth, sweet taste of bourbon – it’s like a taste of home in every sip. So, when I started experimenting in the kitchen, trying to recreate those cherished moments, mastering the art of making the perfect mint julep became my mission. And now, I’m excited to share my tried-and-true recipe with you. So grab your favorite julep cup or glass, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the refreshing world of mint juleps together. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
What is Mint Julep?
Mint julep is a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm days, especially popular in the southern United States. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients: bourbon whiskey, sugar, water, and fresh mint. First, you muddle (which means gently crush) some mint leaves with sugar and water in a glass or silver cup. Then, you fill the glass with crushed ice and pour bourbon over the top.
The drink is garnished with a sprig of fresh mint, which adds a delightful aroma and flavor. Mint julep is known for its sweet, slightly spicy taste from the bourbon and the refreshing hint of mint. It’s often enjoyed at events like the Kentucky Derby, where it’s considered a traditional drink. Overall, it’s a classic cocktail that’s both delicious and easy to make.
How to make Mint Julep?
step 1: Prepare the mint: Take about 8-10 fresh mint leaves and place them in the bottom of a glass or a special silver cup called a julep cup.
step 2 : Add the simple syrup: Pour 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of simple syrup over the mint leaves in the glass or cup. Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves, then cooled. It adds sweetness to the drink.
step 3: Muddle the mint: Gently press and twist the mint leaves using a muddler or the back of a spoon. This helps release the mint’s oils and flavor into the syrup.
step 4: Add crushed ice: Fill the glass or cup about two-thirds full with crushed ice. You can crush ice by putting ice cubes in a plastic bag and hitting it gently with a rolling pin or mallet.
step 5: Pour the bourbon: Measure and pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of bourbon whiskey over the ice. Bourbon is a type of whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in oak barrels, known for its rich, smoky flavor.
step 6: Stir gently: Use a long-handled spoon to gently stir the mixture, combining the bourbon, mint, and syrup with the ice.
step 7: Garnish with mint: Take a fresh sprig of mint and place it on top of the ice for a fragrant and decorative touch.
How Strong Is a Mint Julep?
The Mint Julep has a pleasant taste, but it includes a long shot of bourbon and little else to knock down its alcohol content. If you make it with an 80-proof whiskey, it should weigh in somewhere around 28 percent ABV (56 proof). The drink will be even stronger with higher proof bourbons. It’s best to enjoy this one nice and slow.
What’s the difference between a mojito and a mint julep?
They may both be delicious, minty cocktails, but a mojitos is made with rum and contains lime juice while a mint julep is made with bourbon and only requires simple syrup and mint (and of course, crushed ice!) in addition to the liquor.
Mint Julep Recipe
Equipment
- Julep Cup or Glass
- Muddler or Spoon
- Long-Handled Spoon
- Measuring jigger
- Ice Crusher
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 40-50 leaves Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Start by adding about 8-10 fresh mint leaves and the simple syrup to a glass or silver julep cup.
- Gently muddle the mint leaves with the syrup to release their flavor.
- Fill the glass or cup with crushed ice until it’s about two-thirds full.
- Pour the bourbon whiskey over the ice.
- Stir the mixture gently to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig for aroma and presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing mint julep.
Notes
Nutrition
Variations Of Mint Julep Recipe!
- NON-ALCOHOLIC � There�s really no way to make a non-alcoholic mint julep taste the same as a regular one, since bourbon has a distinctive taste. But here�s how to make a mint julep that�s beautiful, yet alcohol-free:
- When making the simple syrup, add a splash of lemon juice
- Replace bourbon with ginger ale
- SIMPLE SYRUP ALTERNATIVE � If a simple syrup isn�t possible, add some granulated sugar to the mint and muddle (just as you would with the syrup). I definitely prefer the syrup though, since sugar can make the drink a bit grainy.
What to do with Leftover?
- Refrigeration: Transfer the leftover mint julep to a clean, airtight container or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it chilled and prevent the flavors from deteriorating.
- Avoid Dilution: If the mint julep contains ice, consider straining it before storing to avoid dilution as the ice melts. You can always add fresh ice when serving again.
- Labeling: Label the container with the date when the mint julep was prepared to keep track of its freshness.
- Consume Promptly: Mint juleps are best enjoyed fresh due to their vibrant flavors and icy texture. Try to consume the leftover mint julep within a day or two for the best taste.
- Garnish Freshness: If the mint julep is garnished with mint sprigs, remove them before storing to prevent wilting. You can add fresh mint sprigs when serving again for a decorative touch.
- Shake or Stir Before Serving: Before serving the leftover mint julep again, give it a good shake or stir to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Temperature: Serve the leftover mint julep chilled, straight from the refrigerator, for a refreshing taste.
Let me Share some Tips and Tricks!
- Chilled Ingredients: Chill the bourbon whiskey and simple syrup before making the mint julep. This ensures that your drink stays cold without relying too much on ice, which can dilute the flavor.
- Proper Muddling: When muddling the mint leaves with the simple syrup, be gentle to avoid over-muddling, which can release bitter compounds from the mint. Aim to bruise the leaves slightly to release their oils without crushing them too much.
- Crushed Ice: Use crushed ice for the best texture and presentation. The small ice pieces melt more slowly, keeping your drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
- Garnish with Care: Garnish your mint julep with a fresh mint sprig, but be mindful not to overdo it. A single sprig is usually sufficient for both flavor and aesthetics.
- Personalize to Taste: Adjust the sweetness of your mint julep by varying the amount of simple syrup used. You can also experiment with different types of bourbon to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Presentation: Serve your mint julep in a traditional julep cup or a highball glass for an authentic touch. A silver or pewter cup is traditional for mint juleps and can help keep the drink cold.
- Sip Slowly: Mint juleps are meant to be sipped slowly and savored, allowing you to appreciate the flavors and aromas with each sip. Take your time and enjoy the experience.