Mint Julep

A southern classic perfect for Derby Day

What is more quintessentially southern than a mint julep? I am a bourbon lover through and through and just adore a refreshing mint julep on a warm day. I make mine with a mint simple syrup. Don’t balk if you’ve never made simple syrup before. It can be done while your coffee is brewing – it’s that easy! Finely crushed ice really makes this an authentic julep.

Best Mint Julep Recipe, Mint Simple Syrup, Kentucky Derby Recipe, Mint Julep Pitcher | The Rose Table

I served mint juleps at my Kentucky Derby party and they were a total hit. These are sweet without being too sweet and have just the right amount of mint so that you can still taste the bourbon.

Best Mint Julep Recipe, Mint Simple Syrup, Kentucky Derby Recipe, Mint Julep Pitcher | The Rose Table

Best Mint Julep Recipe, Mint Simple Syrup, Kentucky Derby Recipe, Mint Julep Pitcher | The Rose Table

Be warned: a mint julep is basically just sweetened bourbon. Straight bourbon. Proceed with caution! This is a very strong drink for strong southern gals like you and me. Cheers to that!

Best Mint Julep Recipe, Mint Simple Syrup, Kentucky Derby Recipe, Mint Julep Pitcher | The Rose TableMint Julep
2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz mint simple syrup
3 mint sprigs
Finely crushed ice

  1. Fill mint julep glasses with crushed ice and a straw. Pour bourbon and simple syrup over ice. Garnish with mint sprig.

Mint Simple Syrup
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

  1. Bring sugar, water, and mint leaves to a boil in a small sauce pan until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool and strain to remove the mint leaves.

Don’t want to measure at a party? Make up a pitcher! The 1-4 ratio is easily multiplied to make a large pitcher. The above recipe makes enough mint syrup for two pitchers but we only needed a single pitcher for the six of us at my Kentucky Derby party.

Best Mint Julep Recipe, Mint Simple Syrup, Kentucky Derby Recipe, Mint Julep Pitcher | The Rose Table

Best Mint Julep Recipe, Mint Simple Syrup, Kentucky Derby Recipe, Mint Julep Pitcher | The Rose Table

Mint Julep Pitcher
1 cup mint simple syrup
4 cups bourbon

Torn mint leaves
Crushed ice, mint sprigs for serving

  1. Pour mint simple syrup and bourbon in a pitcher and stir. Add torn mint leaves. Serve with crushed ice and mint sprigs.

Best Kentucky Derby Party Food Recipes | The Rose Table

Read more about my Kentucky Derby Party here. Watch the episode:

Cheers,

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