These Mint Juleps are perfect for Derby Day. Or any other hot day, for that matter.
Mint Juleps are super easy to make, too. Just muddle some mint leaves with simple syrup, pour in some bourbon, and top with lots of crushed ice. Garnish with another sprig of mint for the minty aroma and because it makes the drink look classy AF. I used chocolate mint because that's what I have growing on my back deck.

According to the Kentucky Derby's website, nearly 120,000 mint juleps are served during the course of the 2 day celebration. And it's easy to see why. They're delicious, sweet, and very refreshing.
But brace yourselves: they're basically all bourbon. (not that I'm complaining)
I really like this recipe, but it's worth acknowledging that there is no single accepted Mint Julep recipe. Many variations exist.
One thing that is agreed upon, though, is that they should be served in Julep Cups. The ones that I used in these pictures are not exactly traditional, but I think they qualify.
✨ Recipe
Mint Juleps
Ingredients
- ¼ oz simple syrup see notes
- 8 mint leaves
- 2 oz bourbon
- sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions
- Gently muddle the simple syrup and mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup (or rocks glass)
- Add the bourbon and stir
- Top with lots of crushed ice, mounding it over on the top
- Add the spring of mint for garnish
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
Looking for more bourbon drinks? Try these:
- Bourbon Moscow Mules
- Maple Bourbon Moscow Mules
- Bourbon Pumpkin Shrub Cocktails
- Blood Orange Bourbon Sours.
- Derby Cup! (what would happen if a Julep and Pimm's Cup had a baby)
Tori
this looks delicious, cant wait to make it - but most importantly those cups are gorgeous, where did you get them?
laurenpacek
Thanks, Tori! I picked them up at At Home (https://www.athome.com/).