Mint Julep

A fresh twist on a classic mint julep recipe! Made with mint-infused simple syrup, bourbon, and tons of fresh mint, this julep is so bright and springy.

Lemon Mint Julep

Happy Saturday! Whether you’re a fan of the Kentucky Derby or not, you’ll be a fan of this minty fresh mint julep recipe. It’s so bright and springy! To be honest, I’m going to have a hard time choosing whether to celebrate my weekend with Margaritas or Mint Juleps – maybe I’ll make both.:)

Lemon Mint Julep

Mint Julep Ingredients

A classic mint julep is made by muddling mint with simple syrup at the bottom of each cocktail glass before adding crushed ice and bourbon. Instead of muddling the mint, I like to make my mint julep by infusing the simple syrup with mint. It makes my mint julep that more minty, plus it’s easier to make for a group, since you can prep the syrup ahead of time.

Making minty simple syrup

Simple syrup is actually simple to make! Just simmer water and sugar in a small saucepan, continuing to stir until the sugar is dissolved. To make it minty, remove the pan from the heat, add the mint and let it steep for 15 minutes to infuse the mint flavor. Strain and chill the minty simple syrup until you’re ready to serve. It can also be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Lemon Mint Julep

How to make a mint julep

To make the cocktails, fill each glass with crushed ice, bourbon, and simple syrup. Because I really love lemon, I brighten mine up with a squeeze of lemon. If you’re a mint julep purist, you can skip that step.

Stir and garnish with lots of fresh mint.

cocktail ingredients

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Mint Julep

rate this recipe:
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves 1
A fresh twist on a classic mint julep recipe, made with a mint simple syrup & a squeeze of lemon.

Ingredients

Minty simple syrup (makes about 1/2 cup):

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 bunch fresh mint

For each cocktail:

  • crushed ice
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1/2 ounce minty simple syrup, more to taste
  • fresh lemon juice, to taste
  • fresh mint, for garnish

Instructions

  • Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and simmer, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Add the fresh mint, turn the heat off and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain and chill. The simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
  • Assemble the cocktail with crushed ice, bourbon, simple syrup and lemon juice. Stir and garnish with fresh mint.

 

7 comments

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Louise
    06.23.2021

    5 stars
    Great cocktail and miss easy to make with the mint simple syrup.

  2. Jen H.
    05.01.2021

    5 stars
    Refreshing and delightful! The mint simple syrup and hint of lemon really made it. Next time I’ll use a little less lemon juice, but I really liked the zing it gave the drink. Thanks!

  3. Anne Riordan
    05.01.2021

    How much lemon juice did you use in your cocktail? Does each cocktail have 2 oz od bourbon? thanks

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      05.01.2021

      Hi Anne, I just squeezed a wedge. You can add more or less, to taste. Yes, each has 2 ounces of bourbon.

  4. Sarah | Well and Full
    05.05.2019

    These mint juleps look so refreshing! 🙂

  5. Amber H
    05.04.2019

    I have fresh mint I need to use, these look delicious and refreshing. Thanks!

  6. Sabrina from newkitchenlife.com
    05.04.2019

    yes, just yes, and just in time, thank you!

A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.