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Best Mint Julep recipe for Kentucky Derby parties

By CM Towle

Apr 30, 2015; Lousiville, KY, USA; Exercise rider Jorge Alvarez rides American Pharaoh to the track for work outs at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Lousiville, KY, USA; Exercise rider Jorge Alvarez rides American Pharaoh to the track for work outs at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
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The mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and has been promoted as such since 1938. Learn how to make it here.

The mint julep is a basic drink with a storied history. It’s been promoted as the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby since 1938 and over 100,000 of the drinks are served in the two days comprising the Derby and the Oaks. The basic ingredients of the mint julep are bourbon, fresh mint, sugar and water. The fresh mint should be spearmint in keeping with Kentucky tradition and the bourbon should really be bourbon, not Kentucky or Tennessee whiskey. Sugar can be either powdered sugar or a sugar cube. The latter is easier to to work with in the muddling process.

There are a variety of ways to make a mint julep, this writer’s personal recipe can get you through a few quickly in a party situation. You can change amounts however you need, but the method is the key to making them quickly.

Items you need:

bourbon
sugar cubes
water
crushed ice
fresh spearmint leaves
fresh lime
glass (preferably julep cup)
cocktail shaker
spoon

Instructions for one julep (increase as needed):

First, fill a julep cup about halfway with crushed ice.

Combine about four mint leaves, a sugar cube and a spoonful of water in a cocktail shaker. Using the back of the spoon, muddle the sugar, water and mint leaves together, crushing the leaves slightly. A minty aroma should arise from the shaker as you muddle. Once it’s muddled, add up to two shots of bourbon, depending on how strong you want it. Then add crushed ice and shake vigorously.

Strain the mixture into a julep cup over crushed ice. Add a slice of lime and mint sprigs to garnish.

In this method, the mint muddled at the bottom breaks up during the shaking with ice, which allows little flecks of mint to permeate throughout the drink. The lime adds a nice taste that compliments the mint, a la a mojito, but you can omit it if you want to be strictly traditional.

Definitely recommend using a julep cup if you can get it, however. It’s a strong drink that benefits from being kept cold for as long as possible.

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