How to Make a Mint Julep

It wouldn't be right to drink anything but this minty bourbon cocktail for the Kentucky Derby.

By Esquire EditorsPublished: May 3, 2019

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mint julep cocktail with bourbon and mint leaves

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Yields:: 1 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 5 mins
Total Time:: 5 mins

Ingredients

3 oz.
bourbon
5-6 mint leaves
1 tsp.
sugar

Directions

1. Step 1Place mint leaves in the bottom of a pre-chilled, dry pewter cup. Add sugar and crush slightly with a muddler.
2. Step 2Pack glass with finely cracked ice, then pour a generous 3 ounces of Kentucky bourbon over the ice.
3. Step 3 Stir briskly until the glass frosts.
4. Step 4Add more ice and stir again before serving. Stick a few sprigs of mint into the ice to get the aroma.

A few things to keep in mind for a truly great mint julep:

Use a pre-chilled, dry 12- or 14-ounce glass, tall and slim (better yet, a traditional silver beaker).
Crack the ice, making sure to drain off any excess water before putting it in the glass.
Don't handle the glass with bare hands, as the touch of a hand kills the frost.
Likewise, each julep should be served with a napkin or small linen doily.
The glass will not frost if in the wind, if wet, with undried ice, or if excessively handled. You can sometimes speed the frost by twirling the glass or by placing it in coldest part of refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Use only the freshest mint and, of that, the smallest, most tender leaves.
If you use a straw, keep it short so you can get your nose in among the mint.

The Mint Julep is a finicky drink if you want to make it right. Your silver beaker should be pre-chilled. Your ice should be cracked and drained of excess water. Your mint leaves should be the freshest, smallest, most tender that you can find. And god forbid you touch the cup too much with your bare hands or anywhere but the top or bottom, killing the frost.

But this cocktail is worth the special attention for the chance to bury you nose in aromatic mint and douse your tastebuds with sweet Kentucky bourbon. So whether you're making one to sip during the Kentucky Derby horse race, as is tradition, or you want to cool off on a sticky summer day, here's how to make a Mint Julep at home.

A Little Background

Every year, we drink Mint Juleps by the gallon as we watch horses with names like Win Win Win, Roadster, and Long Range Toddy tear around a race track. The cool, refreshing bourbon-based cocktail is near synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. But back in the 18th century, the mint julep was an American Southern cocktail that denoted the provider as a person of means. This mostly comes down to the fact it's made with ice, and ice was hard to come by back in the day. It's also a drink that was once traditionally served in crystal or silver cups, which were not exactly common among working folk.

Speaking of persons of means, it was famed Kentucky Senator Henry Clay, the Great Compromiser (you might remember him from American history class), who brought the Mint Julep to Washington, D.C in 1850. From there, it became a favorite of Teddy Roosevelt, who plied his cabinet members with juleps to get them to play tennis with him. Writer William Faulkner was famous for his love of a good julep, and F. Scott Fitzgerald gave the julep a role in the Great Gatsby as Daisy's cocktail of choice. Ray Charles' 1961 take on the drinking song "One Mint Julep" climbed the R&B and pop music charts.

But to this day, it's still the Kentucky Derby that has dominion over the Mint Julep; it became the Derby's official cocktail in 1938, rooting it firmly in American Southern culture. Woodford Reserve regularly serves a luxe $1,000 Mint Julep with its own bourbon at the Derby. Only 145 people will get to shell out for that honor this year, but nearly 120,000 other attendees will down a more classic julep at Churchill Downs made with Old Forester Mint Julep bourbon. It's not too late to get your julep supplies prepped for the race—or to put money down on Game Winner.

If You Like This, Try These

The julep wasn't always made with bourbon. In Georgia, they served it with peach cognac. In Maryland, it was made with rye. You can make a killer one with mezcal, or with brandy and rum. Don't feel tied to Kentucky whiskey. Of course, the Mojito will get you your mint-and-liquor fix, and you'll need a lot less ice to make it.

What You Need

Here’s what you need to do a Mint Julep justice, beyond what you might be able to dig out of the fridge or cupboard. And remember: Always use the freshest mint.