Mint-Infused Bourbon Julep with Crushed Ice
A refreshing Kentucky Derby classic cocktail featuring fresh mint and smooth bourbon over crushed ice. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together leaves fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, bourbon for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 sprig for garnish mint sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 8 fresh mint leaves and 1 oz simple syrup into a julep cup or old-fashioned glass. Gently muddle the mint and syrup together for about 20 seconds until fragrant but not torn.
- Step 2: Fill the cup halfway with 1 cup crushed ice and pour 2 oz bourbon over the ice. Stir gently for 15 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Fill the remainder of the cup with more crushed ice, mounding it over the top, and garnish with 1 sprig of fresh mint. Serve with a straw and enjoy immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mint-Infused Bourbon Julep with Crushed Ice take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Mint-Infused Bourbon Julep with Crushed Ice?
Refrigerate any leftover mint-infused bourbon julep with crushed ice in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mint-Infused Bourbon Julep with Crushed Ice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mint-Infused Bourbon Julep with Crushed Ice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What should I serve with Mint-Infused Bourbon Julep with Crushed Ice?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy to make but tasted like a five-star bar drink. The crushed ice kept it cold without diluting too fast.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So smooth and aromatic. Made it for my family dinner, and even my kids asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
The mint infusion was perfectly balanced with the bourbon—refreshing and sophisticated! My friends couldn't stop raving about it at the garden party.
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