Cocktail· Bourbon
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a built cocktail of bourbon, fresh mint, and simple syrup served over heavily packed crushed ice in a silver julep cup. It is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and dates to at least 1803 in print. The silver cup's purpose is to frost from the outside so the drinker holds it by the rim or bottom; gripping the middle melts the dome of ice and ruins the drink.
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus a generous bouquet for garnish
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2.5 oz bourbon
- Crushed ice, to fill
Method
- Place the mint leaves and simple syrup in a chilled julep cup.
- Press the mint lightly with a muddler to release the oils; do not bruise.
- Fill the cup with crushed ice and add the bourbon.
- Stir or swizzle for 20 seconds, then top with more crushed ice to form a dome.
- Insert a fresh mint bouquet so the leaves brush the drinker's nose.
Garnish
Generous fresh mint bouquet
Pro tip
Press the mint lightly; bruising the leaves releases bitter chlorophyll. The oil is what you want.
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