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Home » Recipes

Kentucky Mint Julep

Apr 18, 2021 · Modified: Jun 12, 2023 by JCP

Hey, y'all! There's nothing more iconic to the Commonwealth than a classic Kentucky Mint Julep. It's the most popular drink served at Churchill Downs and is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Needless to say, it is engrained in our culture.

The best part? A Kentucky Mint Julep is delicious all year long, not just during Derby season!

Kentucky Mint Julep

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Mint Julep Recipe

Kentucky Mint Julep Ingredients

  • 2.5 oz Kentucky Bourbon
  • ¾ oz Simple Syrup
  • 4-5 Mint Leaves more for garnish
  • Crushed Ice
Mint Julep Recipe

How to Make a Kentucky Mint Julep

  • In the bottom of a Derby glass, add simple syrup + 4-5 mint leaves. Muddle.
  • Liberally fill glass with crushed ice.
  • Add bourbon.
  • Stir, garnish with mint, and enjoy!
Mint Julep Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

How much ice should I put in a Mint Julep?

You should fill the glass to the very brim with ice, as it is classic to the recipe.

The History of the Kentucky Mint Julep

The Mint Julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938. However, its history is much more expansive.

It was first mentioned in print in 1803; It’s also said that KY Senator Henry Clay made the drink popular in Washington, D.C. at the Round Robin Bar around 1850.

The notoriety doesn’t end there, either — many presidents have fancied the Mint Julep and many writers have made them popular in their works, such as novelists Margaret Mitchell and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Mint Julep Recipe

Did You Know?

Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack. That’s a feat that requires more than 10,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint, and 60,000 pounds of ice.

Mint Julep Recipe

Other Recipes You'll Love

  1. Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita
  2. Oaks Lily Cocktail
  3. Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail

Kentucky Mint Julep Recipe

Mint Julep Recipe

Kentucky Mint Julep

JC Phelps
The legendary drink of the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Mint Julep is a quintessential Kentucky bourbon cocktail.
5 from 57 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 224 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 oz Kentucky Bourbon
  • ¾ oz Simple Syrup
  • 4-5 Mint Leaves more for garnish
  • Crushed Ice

Instructions
 

  • In the bottom of a Derby glass, add simple syrup + 4-5 mint leaves. Muddle.
  • Liberally fill glass with crushed ice.
  • Add bourbon.
  • Stir, garnish with mint, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 14mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 170IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
Keyword kentucky mint julep, mint julep
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Mint Julep Recipe

Y'all come back now, ya hear?

My best,

JC

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Hey, y'all! I'm JC - and I thank you for stopping by my nook and cranny of the internet. Sit on down and I'll pour ya a glass of sweet tea! I'm a fiercely loyal southerner, the most devout mayonnaise fan below the Mason-Dixon Line, and pimento cheese's biggest cheerleader. Welcome to my Kentucky Kitchen!

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