Easy Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
A Mint Juleps is a quintessential Southern Classic Cocktail. Sipped by Southern Belles for centuries, this whiskey, sugar, and mint concoction will add an extra smile to your style if you know what I mean. Hang on to your pearls girls! Today I am sharing the Easy Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Recipe with my Personal Mint Making Julep Tips that will make the magic happen.
Easy Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
What You Will Love About This Classic Mint Julep Recipe
Be sure to check out the Oaks Lily Cocktail and the Horseshoe Margarita for Derby Day!
What Does An Easy Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Taste Like?
The Mint Julep has smooth and refreshing bourbon forward taste with a complimenting sweet mint finish! It is the perfect combination for a hot summer day!
What Is In a Mint Julep?
Just a few ingredients
Why The Mint Julep Is Served at The Kentucky Derby
Kentucky is known for its bourbon and horse racing! This cocktail is a winning match. In the 1820’s the link between the Mint Julep and the racetrack began. This tasty cocktail was served in sterling silver julep cups being awarded as trophies to first place jockeys. In 1938 Churchill Downs named the Mint Julep the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Fun Fact: Nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are sold at Churchill Downs over the two-day period of the Derby.
Where Did The mint Julep Originate?
Though Kentucky is most famous for the Mint Julep with it being the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby it is not where it originated. The origin is argued between Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, New Orleans, and even the middle east dating back to 900 BC. This cocktail made its appearance during the pre-civil war era in America and was solely medicinal. Of course a Southern Belle got her hands on it and decided it was tasty to sip on a hot afternoon.
Technically the origin is unknown, I am not a bit sad about it! Whomever created this refreshing cocktail gets a curtsy and a twirl from me.
How Much Does A Mint Julep Cost At the Kentucky Derby?
This is a pricy drink to sip! The cost of a Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby is $22.00 a cocktail. Keep this recipe handy and make at least 8 right at home for less than a quarter of the cost.
Why the Mint Julep Is Served in A Silver Cup?
Sterling silver Mint Julep Cups are iconic in the American South as the traditional drinkware for the Mint Julep. The First Mint Julep Cups were made in the late 1700’s by master artisans. The famous Asa Blanchard of Lexington, Kentucky and William and Archibald Cooper of Louisville, Kentucky are responsible for the sleek and simple shape with a beaded rim and polished finish. These lavish expensive cups filled with the Mint Juleps were served to the winners of the Derby as a trophy. In 1938 Churchill Downs served this bourbon based cocktail in the famous cup to Derby attendees. The rest is history. (Mint Julep Cup links below.)
READ FIRST! My Personal Tips For A Perfect Mint Julep
#1 THE CHILLED MINT JULEP CUP
Avoid using a glass for a Mint Julep. Whether a sterling silver or pewter Mint Julep Cup, this is part of the magic. There is something about the chill of the cup in your hand that makes the drink taste better.
SHOP MINT JULEP CUPS
#2 PREP THE MINT JULEP CUP
Place a mint leaf inside the Julep cup. Press the mint leaf with the back of a spoon and rub the minot oils over the entire inside of the cup and around the rim.
Next, add a small splash of bourbon and give it a swirl.
#3 HIGH PROOF BOURBON
Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon used in the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep. Many make the mistake of using a low proof bourbon. It is important to pick a high proof bourbon that can stand up to the ice. Otherwise, you will have a watered down flat cocktail.
#4 AVOID USING CITRUS FRUITS
Sometimes people add limes to their Mint Juleps! Nope! That is a Mojito! Keep this simple bourbon forward sweet mint cocktail simple.
#4 THE FINISHING TOUCH
Sprinkle the cocktail with a dash of powdered sugar!
Easy Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Recipe
Makes 1 Mint Julep
*Did you read my tips above? There is a secret for the inside of the cup. 😉
Ingredients
Mint Julep
- 1 ounce high proof bourbon (Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon for the Mint Julep.)
- 1 ounce Mint Simple Syrup, chilled
- ice
Garnish
- fresh mint sprigs
- powdered sugar
- cocktail stir stick
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Instructions | Mixology
Add 2 ounces of the mint simple syrup to the chilled julep cup. Add the stir stick or a straw. Pack the julep cup tightly with crushed ice.
Pour one ounce of bourbon over ice. Use the stir stick to stir.
Insert a mint sprig directly into the ice.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Serve this tasty Classic Mint Julep Cocktail immediately. CHEERS!
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Easy Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
Ingredients
MINT JULEP
- 1 ounce high proof bourbon Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon for the Mint Julep.
- 1 ounce Mint Simple Syrup chilled
- ice
GARNISH
- fresh mint sprigs
- powdered sugar
- cocktail stir stick
Instructions
BE SURE TO READ MY PERSONAL TIPS FIRST IN THE NOTES! THERE IS A JULEP CUP PREP SECRET!
- Add 2 ounces of the mint simple syrup to the chilled julep cup. Add the stir stick or a straw. Pack the julep cup tightly with crushed ice.
- Pour one ounce of bourbon over ice. Use the stir stick to stir.
- Insert a mint sprig directly into the ice.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
PIN The Classic Mint Julep Southern Cocktail!
Can’t wait to make it!