Classic Mint Julep
The classic Kentucky Derby cocktail, made the way I learned it with Woodford Reserve: bourbon, a touch of simple syrup, fresh mint and a mound of crushed ice in a frosted julep cup. It comes together in about five minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water, cooled)
- 3 Fresh Mint Leaves
- Crushed Ice
- Fresh Mint Sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gently rub the mint leaves around the inside of the julep cup to release their oils, then leave them in the bottom of the cup.
- Add the simple syrup and the bourbon.
- Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice and stir until the outside of the cup begins to frost.
- Pack in more crushed ice, mounding it just above the rim.
- Garnish with a generous bouquet of fresh mint, add a short straw and serve right away.
Notes
Chill the cup first. Ten minutes in the freezer gives you that frosted finish the moment the ice goes in.
Simple syrup: stir equal parts sugar and water over low heat until dissolved, cool, and keep refrigerated for up to a month.
Crushed ice matters. Cubes will not frost the cup or dilute the bourbon properly; crush them in a Lewis bag or a clean kitchen towel.
Nutrition per serving (estimated): 180 kcal · 0g fat (0g saturated) · 8g carbohydrates · 0g fiber · 8g sugar · 0g protein · 1mg sodium · 0mg cholesterol. Calculated from the ingredients listed; treat as an estimate.
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