The Key To Making An Authentic Mint Julep

Aromatic and refreshing but with that sly bourbon kick, the Mint Julep is a quintessential Kentucky cocktail, perfect for hot afternoons and humid nights. Though synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, held the first weekend in May at Louisville's Churchill Downs horse racing complex, it doesn’t have to be Derby Day to enjoy one. Aficionados debate which bourbon makes the best Mint Julep, with Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve being popular favorites, but we prefer Old Forester 1910 or one of our barrel picks.

Mint Julep Ingredients

• Fresh mint leaves
• 2 1/2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz agave syrup
• Crushed ice
• Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

How to Make a Mint Julep

1. Gently muddle a handful of fresh mint leaves and agave syrup in the bottom of a cup.
2. Fill the cup with crushed ice.
3. Add bourbon.
4. Stir well until frost forms on the outside of the cup.
5. Top off the cup with more crushed ice, forming a slight mound above the rim.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint

Remember, authenticity matters, and the key to making a Mint Julep worthy of the Triple Crown is using real Kentucky bourbon and serving it in its traditional silver or pewter cup.

Mint Julep Riff

For a thrilling twist, try a Gin Mint Julep. As old a variant as the original recipe, replacing bourbon with gin heightens the aromatics and delivers a crisper experience.