Description
Get ready to toast the Kentucky Derby in true Southern style with my large batch classic Kentucky mint julep recipe! Whether you're sipping solo or hosting a crowd, this recipe includes both a single-serving cocktail and a large-batch pitcher that serves 12—perfect for your Derby party. Made with smooth Kentucky bourbon, fresh mint, and homemade simple syrup, this iconic cocktail is served ice-cold in a traditional copper or sterling silver julep cup, piled high with crushed ice. As the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, it's a must-have for race day celebrations!
Ingredients
Scale
Single Serving
- 8 Fresh Mint Leaves + more for garnish
- 1/2 Ounce Simple Syrup (see notes)
- 2 Ounces Kentucky Bourbon
- Crushed Ice - lots!
Pitcher - Serves 12
- 1 to 1 1/2 Ounces or 3-4 Bundles of Fresh Mint + more for garnish
- 3/4 Cup Simple Syrup (see notes)
- 3 Cups Kentucky Bourbon
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 3-4 Cups Crushed Ice
Instructions
Single Serving
- Gently smack the mint leaves in your hands to release their aroma and place them in a julep cup or glass.
- Add in the simple syrup the gently muddle the fresh mint leaves.
- Pour the Kentucky bourbon. Add in a little bit of crushed ice and stir well to mix and chill the cocktail.
- Top with more crushed ice, forming a mound above the rim.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve immediately with a straw.
Large Batch Pitcher (serves 12)
- In a large pitcher, gently muddle the fresh mint with the simple syrup to infuse the flavors.
- Add the Kentucky bourbon and water, stirring to combine.
- Fill the pitcher with 3-4 cups of crushed ice and stir until well chilled.
- To serve: give the pitcher a good stir before filling each cup. Fill julep cups or glasses with the premixed drink about 1/2 way full (use a large wooden spoon to help you hold back the ice). Add more crushed ice to the glass, filling it completely.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig and enjoy!
Notes
If you want to make your own simple syrup, I highly recommend and it's super easy!
Homemade Simple Syrup
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Cup Sugar
- In a medium-sized saucepan, add the water and sugar. Turn on medium heat.
- Bring to a low boil and let cook for 10 minutes. It will reduce down to a thick syrup over that time. Stir at the beginning to help dissolve the sugar.
- Once the time is up, remove from the heat and pour into a mason jar or airtight container (if not glass let it cool first).
- Store in the fridge and use in any drink or cocktail that needs to be sweetened.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks/Cocktails
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 7.1 g
- Sodium: 1.5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.2 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
