Place your bets and dig out your fanciest hats, because it’s Kentucky Derby season, and that means this Mint Julep Recipe should be on the menu. This classic cocktail is sweet, refreshing, and perfectly festive for the season.
In a julep cup or tall glass, combine sugar and water and stir to dissolve. Add mint leaves and muddle in the bottom of the glass.
Fill half the glass with ice. Add bourbon and stir to combine. Top with more ice and stir until the glass is frosty. Garnish generously with mint sprigs.
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Notes
Sugar: 2 teaspoons simple syrup can be substituted for the 1 teaspoon sugar + 1 teaspoon water. Learn how easy it is to make your own simple syrup.
Mint: Mint Juleps are typically made with spearmint, not peppermint.
Bourbon: There are lots of opinions on the best bourbon for a Mint Julep, but Woodford Reserve seems to be a crowd favorite (and it's the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby).