How to Make Mint Juleps: A Refreshing Summer Cocktail

Hey y’all! Mint juleps are perfect for summertime sipping. If you’ve never had one, you’re in for a treat. Traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint, this refreshing drink is a staple at many southern social events. If you’re looking to host a garden party or just want to chill on your porch with friends, learning how to make mint juleps is an essential skill.

The key to a perfect mint julep is using high-quality bourbon and fresh mint. A good rule of thumb is to invest in a bourbon that you would be happy to sip on its own. Follow our recipe and you’ll have a mint julep that’s sure to impress your friends and family. These drinks are easy to make and require minimal effort; the hardest part of making a mint julep is waiting for it to chill before sipping. So, grab your favorite bourbon and let’s get started!

10 Steps to Making the Perfect Mint Julep

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin making the perfect mint julep, you must gather all the necessary ingredients together.
You’ll need fresh mint leaves, granulated sugar, bourbon, and crushed ice. For this recipe, it is recommended
to use high-quality, expensive bourbon to get the best flavor and taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Mint

Take some fresh mint leaves and rinse them gently in cold water. Using paper towels, pat them dry and
remove any excess water. Take a handful of mint leaves and gently crush them in a pestle and mortar.
Make sure not to grind them too much as that can release excessive bitterness and undesired flavors.

Step 3: Make the Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine equal parts of granulated sugar and water on low heat. Stir until the sugar
completely dissolves and the mixture turns syrupy in consistency. This simple syrup will add a sweet flavor
to your julep.

Step 4: Combine Simple Syrup and Mint

Pour the simple syrup over the freshly crushed mint leaves and stir well until the leaves are evenly coated
with the syrup. This process will help the mint flavor to release a lot more into your mix.

Step 5: Add the Bourbon

Add two and a half ounces of bourbon into this mixture and continue stirring until everything is thoroughly mixed.

Step 6: Let the Mixture Rest

After you have completed everything, let the mixture rest in the fridge or freezer for at least 15 minutes to make sure
it is chilled enough to take pleasure in its refreshing taste.

Step 7: Prepare Garnish

At this point, it is important to prepare your garnish. Pick some fresh mint leaves and use them to decorate your
glass. This will not only add some fragrance but also help to give your mint julep a refreshing and attractive
appearance.

Step 8: Crush More Ice

To achieve a perfect mint julep, you’ll need crushed ice. Take a handful of ice cubes and put them in a Ziploc bag or
use a clean cloth and then crush them gently.

Step 9: Fill the Glass

Take an 8-ounce julep glass and fill it up to three quarters with the crushed ice. Pour the mixture over it and stir
well. The frost of the julep glass will keep the drink ice-cold while you enjoy the drink.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Mint Julep

Congratulations! You have successfully made a mint julep! Now, sit back and savor the refreshing taste of this bourbon-based
cocktail. Guzzle it with a straw and take a sip slowly to get the full taste of the sweet and minty blend. Ahh… refreshing!

Ingredients

To make the perfect mint julep, you must start with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Bourbon – The star of the show, bourbon is a classic whiskey that adds a rich, smooth flavor to your mint julep. Choose a quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking on its own.

2. Fresh mint – Mint is the key ingredient that gives the julep its refreshing flavor. Stick with fresh mint leaves for the best taste.

3. Sugar – A simple syrup made with sugar and water gives your julep the right amount of sweetness. Avoid using artificial sweeteners or flavored syrups.

4. Water – You’ll need a little water to help dissolve the sugar and create the syrup for your julep.

5. Crushed ice – The secret to a great mint julep is the ice. Crushed ice helps to create an icy, slushy consistency that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day.

6. Mint sprigs – A handful of fresh mint sprigs will give your julep a beautiful garnish and an extra burst of flavor.

7. Julep cups – Traditional mint juleps are served in silver or pewter cups that keep the drink cold and add a touch of elegance to your presentation.

8. Muddler – You’ll need a muddler or a spoon to crush the mint leaves and sugar together for your simple syrup.

9. Cocktail shaker – A cocktail shaker is optional, but it can help to mix all the ingredients together and create a frothy foam on top of your julep.

10. Straws – Long, slender straws are the perfect accessory to help you sip your julep in style.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the next step: making the simple syrup.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Making mint juleps is a fun and refreshing activity for any party, gathering, or even just for personal relaxation. To make delicious mint juleps, you will need the following ingredients:

You will also need some essential equipment to make mint juleps, including a muddler or wooden spoon, a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, and a julep cup or any other tall iced drink glass. Make sure to use fresh ingredients to ensure the best taste possible for your mint juleps.

Preparation and Recipe Directions

Before you start creating your mint juleps, you need to make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment ready on your workstation. Once your ingredients and equipment are ready, follow these recipe directions:

1. Muddle the Mint Leaves

Place 12-15 mint leaves in your cocktail shaker or mixing glass and muddle them gently but firmly. The goal here is to release the essential oils in the mint leaves without shredding them. This process will make your mint juleps flavorful.

2. Add Sugar and Water to the Mix

Once your mint leaves are muddled, add one tablespoon of granulated sugar and one tablespoon of water to your cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Mix the ingredients well with the muddled mint leaves until the sugar dissolves, and you have a sugary mint mixture.

3. Add Bourbon and Crushed Ice

Pour 2 oz of bourbon whiskey over the sugary mint mixture in your cocktail shaker or mixing glass. After that, you will need to add two cups of crushed ice into the mix. Then, shake or stir the mixture well until it is chilled to the bottom.

4. Strain and Pour

Next, strain the chilled mint julep mixture into your julep cup or any other tall iced drink glass, leaving some ice in the shaker or mixing glass. Add more crushed ice to your julep cup and top it with a sprig of fresh mint to garnish. Serve your mint juleps fresh, cold, and delicious.

5. Enjoy Your Mint Juleps

Now that your mint juleps are ready, it’s time to enjoy them with family, friends or even just by yourself. Sit back, relax, and savor the cool refreshing sweetness of your homemade mint juleps.

Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of making mint juleps. Experiment with different ingredients to make your mint juleps unique. Remember to always drink responsibly and keep the measurements accurate to avoid over-intoxication.

Enjoy Your Mint Juleps!

Now that you know how to make a refreshing mint julep, impress your friends at your next gathering or simply enjoy one on a hot summer day. Thanks for reading our guide and we hope you come back soon for more delicious recipes and cocktail ideas. Cheers!