Mint Julep

Name: Mint Julep
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 drink
Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon; 4 sprigs Fresh mint; 1 tsp Sugar; 2 dashes Water

Bourbon poured over crushed ice and gently sweetened mint until the cup frosts. The Kentucky Derby's signature drink.

Time: 5 min
Difficulty: Medium
Method: Muddled
Glass: Julep cup

Ingredients

Servings

Bourbon2 oz
Fresh mint4 sprigs
Sugar — powdered1 tsp
Water2 dashes

Garnish: Mint sprig (1 sprig)

How to make it

1
In a julep cup, gently press mint with sugar and water.
2
Pack the cup with crushed ice and pour in bourbon.
3
Stir until the outside of the cup frosts, then top with more ice.

Bar gear

Tools you'll need

MuddlerGently presses mint, fruit or sugar to release flavor. Press, don't pulverize.
JiggerA double-sided measure so every drink comes out the same. Look for one marked in ½ and ¼ oz.
Bar spoonA long, thin spoon for stirring, layering and fishing out cherries.
Ice bag & malletTurns regular cubes into crushed ice for juleps, smashes and tiki-style drinks.

Recommended glassware

Julep cupA metal cup that frosts over with crushed ice.

No shaker? A clean jar with a tight lid works. Build your home bar →

Recipe source: IBA Official Cocktail specification. Quantities and basic method are factual. Description and steps are original Mixistry copy. Last updated 2026-10-11.

Contains alcohol. For adults of legal drinking age — please enjoy responsibly.