Mint Julep
Made with Whisky
main ingredients
- Mint sprigs (leaves only) - 4 to 5
- sugar cubes (or 1/2 ounce simple syrup) - 2
- Bourbon whiskey - 2 1/2ounce
- Garnish: mint sprig - As needed
instructions
Gather the ingredients.
Place the mint leaves and sugar or simple syrup into a Julep cup, Collins glass, or double old-fashioned glass.
Muddle well to dissolve the sugar and release the oil and aroma of the mint.
Add the bourbon.
Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well until the glass becomes frosty.
Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw and enjoy.
Tips
Gently muddle your mint. The intention is to release the essential oils, not tear the leaves to bits.
Making crushed ice without a machine is another use for your muddler: Place ice cubes in a Lewis bag (a cloth bag made specifically for this purpose) or wrap it in a towel and whack it until your cubes become finely crushed ice. (This is a wonderful and safe stress reliever, too.)
Once you build the drink, take the time to stir it gently until the glass gets frosty. This should take at least 30 seconds, but the longer you do it, the better.
Pour your favorite bourbon. It's best to choose one of the higher-end brands for the simple fact that bourbon is the Julep's only liquid. Though it is sweetened and flavored, the whiskey is primarily what you will taste.
Mint Juleps are good for sipping but also pair nicely with Southern appetizers. Try pairing with pickled shrimp, deviled eggs, and pimiento cheese dip.
Place the mint leaves and sugar or simple syrup into a Julep cup, Collins glass, or double old-fashioned glass.
Muddle well to dissolve the sugar and release the oil and aroma of the mint.
Add the bourbon.
Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well until the glass becomes frosty.
Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw and enjoy.
Tips
Gently muddle your mint. The intention is to release the essential oils, not tear the leaves to bits.
Making crushed ice without a machine is another use for your muddler: Place ice cubes in a Lewis bag (a cloth bag made specifically for this purpose) or wrap it in a towel and whack it until your cubes become finely crushed ice. (This is a wonderful and safe stress reliever, too.)
Once you build the drink, take the time to stir it gently until the glass gets frosty. This should take at least 30 seconds, but the longer you do it, the better.
Pour your favorite bourbon. It's best to choose one of the higher-end brands for the simple fact that bourbon is the Julep's only liquid. Though it is sweetened and flavored, the whiskey is primarily what you will taste.
Mint Juleps are good for sipping but also pair nicely with Southern appetizers. Try pairing with pickled shrimp, deviled eggs, and pimiento cheese dip.