Mint Juleps are traditional part of the famous Kentucky Derby, which is generally held the first Saturday in May, kicking off the warm weather season in much of the country. These refreshing cocktails are rolled out during this event and continue to be a refreshing mainstay throughout the warm weather months. They may be served in silver or stainless steel cups or work just as well a traditional rocks glass.
If you grow your own mint, it should be coming up by the end of April and you should have enough to use for your Derby cocktails.
Making a mint julep is simple as far as cocktails go. In a mint julep cup or rocks glass add mint leaves and gently crush mint with a muddler or a narrow wooden spoon. Fill cup or glass with crushed ice. Pour half of simple syrup followed by the bourbon over ice. Top off with the remainder of the simple syrup then garnish with a mint sprig.
A host could also make mint infused simple syrup to expedite the process, having additional mint on hand for cocktail garnish.
Mint Julep
This cocktail is indelibly associated with the Kentucky Derby, but it can be enjoyed during all of the warm weather months.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mint julep cup or rocks glass add mint leaves and gently crush mint with a muddler or a narrow wooden spoon. Fill cup or glass with crushed ice. Pour half of simple syrup followed by the bourbon over ice. Top off with the remainder of the simple syrup then garnish with a mint sprig.