(Note: this post was originally published on April 23, 2020. It has since been updated with some new variations.)
If there's one cocktail to master this spring and summer, it's the bourbon mint julep. This classic bourbon cocktail is boozy, a touch sweet, loaded with fresh mint, and elegant.
This post is an ode to the iconic Kentucky Derby cocktail. First, I cover some basics about what a mint julep is and how to make a classic bourbon mint julep. After that, I share five additional mint julep recipes incorporating everything from strawberries to peaches to honey. I hope this post inspires you to try a few of these elegant and unique mint julep variations, ideally sitting outside on a warm evening.
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The bourbon mint julep is best known as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. This iconic summer sip is a lightly-sweetened bourbon cocktail that gets its flavor and freshness from mint. It apparently dates all the way back to the late 1700's (including versions using spirits other than bourbon), although it didn't become the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby until 1938. Check out this Wikipedia article if you want to learn more about the history of the mint julep.
This historical summer bourbon cocktail recipe uses just a few simple ingredients. Typically, these ingredients are:
The mint julep is an easy cocktail to make since it uses just a few ingredients and is (usually) mixed right in the serving glass. A classic mint julep involves muddling the sugar and the mint together, which helps the mint to release its flavorful oils, then adding bourbon and ice. Because this summery bourbon cocktail is fast to make, it's a great option for a party. All you need is a muddler and some glasses.
Bourbon is the key ingredient in this classic cocktail, so you'll want to work with a high-quality product. This isn't the place for bottom-shelf bourbon, since there are no juices, bitters, or liqueurs to soften it. Although likewise, this isn't necessarily the place for a high-end sipping bourbon either. My personal preference is a solid middle shelf bourbon like Knob Creek, Bulleit, or Buffalo Trace. And while bourbon is the classic approach, mint julep variations can also work nicely with other types of whiskey such as rye.
The issue of ice size/shape in a bourbon mint julep can be controversial. A julep is sometimes served over a few large ice cubes and sometimes over crushed ice (or pebble ice). You'll see several different types of ice in these photos. Crushed ice is traditional at the Kentucky Derby; it makes the cocktail feel more refreshing and the end result is both more hydrating and more mellow. If you're a bourbon fan, a few rocks might be preferable; if you're a bourbon newbie (or if it's a hot day), crushed ice will give you a more approachable drink.
Mint juleps (and mint julep variations) are fabulous, versatile, seasonal sips. They're best enjoyed on a warm late-spring or summer evening, ideally outdoors. Just make sure the cocktail is properly chilled, since mint juleps tend to be quite strong.
In terms of presentation, the bourbon mint julep is usually simple and elegant. Although there are specific silver mint julep glasses that are considered classic, any rocks glass (or old fashioned glass) will work. And of course don't forget a sprig of fresh mint for garnish!
These iconic, classic cocktails go great with anything on the grill, so they're a perfect cocktail to serve at an outdoor get-together. The mint also helps them work nicely with dishes that have fresh herbs, like summer salads (including this Mint Julep Quinoa Salad).
Now is the fun part! Here are six different mint julep recipes for you to try. I suggest starting with a classic mint julep first, then trying some of the other flavored variations (or creating your own) after.
Let's start at the beginning: the traditional mint julep recipe (pictured below). It's easy to make, classic, elegant, and is a perfect way to transition bourbon to the warmer months. You can vary the amount of bourbon as well as the sweetness, so you can cater to different tastes.
In this mint julep variation (pictured below), you'll use maple syrup in place of granulated sugar. Using maple syrup provides additional flavor, and, personally-speaking, I'm always excited to use a local product rather than one from afar. Bonus points for garnishing with a maple sugar candy. If you're feeling like a high-roller, use Whistlepig (which is actually a rye, but it's one of Vermont's most well-known distilled products).
This seductive julep riff (pictured below) incorporates Luxardo cherry liqueur, which is earthy and complex. It works great through late summer and even into early fall since the Luxardo makes it feel cozier. Reduce the sweetener slightly because the Luxardo has some sweetness to it.
This summer bourbon cocktail (pictured below) is fun, fruity, and seasonal. You'll just muddle some strawberries into the cocktail and garnish with a couple fresh strawberries. As written, I suggest making the drink in a cocktail stirring glass and straining it so that you can remove the strawberry pulp, but feel free to make this right in the serving glass if you don't mind the pulp.
Another fruity variation, this peach-infused bourbon mint julep (pictured below) is perfect for late summer. You'll omit (or reduce) the sweetener, and instead use half an ounce of peach schnapps. Similar to the recipe above, I suggest making the drink in a cocktail stirring glass and straining it so that you can remove the peach pulp, but feel free to make this right in the serving glass if you don't mind the pulp. Or, take the lazy way out and don't worry about muddling in fresh peaches; just use peach schnapps for an easier version of this mint julep variation.
The combination of honey and mint feels so summery! For this version (pictured below), you'll use local honey in place of the sugar. Adding a little splash of water to the honey will help it to dissolve, so don't skip this step. Garnish with a piece of honeycomb for extra flair. Although decidedly non-traditional, I sometimes make this version with a honey-based distilled product, which is why the cocktail in the photo below is lighter in color than bourbon.
What do you think? Which of these special, elegant, summer bourbon cocktails will you try first? Whether you're new to home mixology or are a pro mixologist, I hope you have fun with these mint julep variations. And remember, this is just the beginning; there are an infinite number of ways to vary this iconic Kentucky Derby classic.
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
As with all my cocktail recipes, please enjoy responsibly!
Fresh Herb Green Goddess Hummus
Watermelon, Snap Pea, and Mint Salad
Boozy Nicecream Guide (see the Kentucky Mule flavor in particular!)
An iconic summer bourbon cocktail, the mint julep is perfect for seasonal parties and of course Derby Day. Check out all these unique mint julep recipe variations to keep this classic cocktail fresh and exciting all summer long.
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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