Mint Julep Cocktail with Fresh Mint and Bourbon
A classic Kentucky Derby cocktail combining smooth bourbon with fresh mint and a touch of sweetness, served over crushed ice. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon, leaves fresh mint leaves, simple syrup 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
- 2 oz bourbon
- 8 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 sprig mint sprig for garnish
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a sturdy glass, add 8 fresh mint leaves and 1 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle the mint leaves with the syrup using a muddler or the back of a spoon for about 20 seconds until fragrant but not torn.
- Step 2: Fill the glass halfway with 1 cup crushed ice and pour 2 oz bourbon over the ice. Stir the mixture gently for 20 seconds to combine and chill.
- Step 3: Pack more crushed ice into the glass to the top, forming a mound, and garnish with 1 sprig fresh mint. Serve immediately with a straw.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mint Julep Cocktail with Fresh Mint and Bourbon 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 Julep Cocktail with Fresh Mint and Bourbon?
Refrigerate any leftover mint julep cocktail with fresh mint and bourbon 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 Julep Cocktail with Fresh Mint and Bourbon?
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 Julep Cocktail with Fresh Mint and Bourbon 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 goes well with Mint Julep Cocktail with Fresh Mint and Bourbon?
American cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
