This Traditional Mint Julep will have you kicking up your heels (er, um, make that, hooves) this Kentucky Derby Day, or any day for that matter.
I originally shared this recipe in 2015. I've recently updated this post with additional information, including a recipe card complete with nutritional information, but the recipe itself has remained unchanged.
Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- Why this recipe works?
- How to make this a non-traditional mint julep?
- Why coconut palm sugar?
- How to make a simple syrup:
- What is the purpose of a metal cocktail glass?
- How many ounces is a standard shot glass?
- Can this cocktail be made in a pitcher?
- Additional cocktail recipes I think you'll also enjoy:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
- Kentucky bourbon
- coconut palm sugar or granulated sugar
- fresh mint leaves
- water
- ginger ale
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- cocktail glass or glasses
- muddler or mortar and pestle
- small saucepan
- shot glass
- mint julep glasses (optional)
- small glass jar, optional (for storing simple syrup)
Why this recipe works?
It's the perfect drink for sipping while watching the Kentucky Derby, or it's just right for a hot summer's day in the shade of a big ol' tree.
A Traditional Mint Julep is frosty, minty, sweet, and kicky with Jack Daniels Kentucky bourbon and a light splash of ginger-ale.
How to make this a non-traditional mint julep?
I used coconut palm sugar when making the simple syrup for this cocktail because palm sugar is a decent alternative when trying to lower your fructose consumption.
Why coconut palm sugar?
Since coconut palm sugar is higher in sucrose, it's lower in fructose and glucose, making it a better option for people looking to control blood sugar spikes.
Unfortunately, coconut palm sugar has the same number of calories and carbs as regular granulated sugar, but your body absorbs coconut palm sugar differently, making it a slightly healthier option...especially if you're going to have more than one of these! *raises hand*
Of course, a granulated sugar simple syrup may be used in place of coconut palm sugar simple sugar. It's all good, and it's all tasty! 🙂
Just remember to always drink responsibly!!
How to make a simple syrup:
Whether you're making a traditional simple syrup with granulated sugar and water or a non-traditional simple syrup with coconut palm sugar and water, the steps are the same.
In a small saucepan, bring equal parts of sugar and water to a simmer on the stovetop, stirring occasionally
Once all the sugar has dissolved, remove it from the heat and cool completely.
Store the simple syrup in the refrigerator in a jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to 4 weeks.
*Note - a coconut palm sugar simple syrup will be very dark in color (as shown in the photo below), whereas a granulated sugar simple syrup will be clear and uncolored.
What is the purpose of a metal cocktail glass?
A metal glass will keep a drink icy cold for a longer period as metal is an excellent conductor of cold.
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How many ounces is a standard shot glass?
A standard shot glass equals 1.5 ounces.
This recipe calls for 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of Kentucky bourbon, and one shot (1.5 ounces) of simple syrup.
Can this cocktail be made in a pitcher?
Sure thing.
This would be a wonderful cocktail to serve at a party, and making it in a pitcher would be very freeing.
Just make sure you have plenty of simple syrup and fresh mint on hand. Both can be kept in the fridge for several days prior to serving if you're planning in advance.
Also, it would be fine to mix the simple syrup and the bourbon in advance of serving, but save the addition of the ginger ale until just before you're ready to drink so it remains fizzy.
Additional cocktail recipes I think you'll also enjoy:
*Pumpkin Spice Martini (shown below and featured in the video)
You’ll be pleasantly pleased after your first sip of Pumpkin Spice Martinis. After your second sip, you’ll be warm all over. You’re welcome!! 🙂 Always enjoy responsibly!
*Blackberry Sangria Spritzer (not shown)
Easy blackberry sangria spritzer is light and refreshing. It’s the perfect thing to serve for a festive brunch or party because everyone adores it!!
*Frozen Mango Strawberry Margaritas (shown below)
Frozen Mango Strawberry Margaritas are the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (or any day for that matter), in a big way!
*Iced Coffee Margarita (not shown)
An Iced Coffee Margarita is coffee mixed with tequila, a twist of lemon, and served in a rimmed glass of ground coffee and sugar. Talk about a delicious eye-opener!
*Traditional Mint Julep (shown below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!
When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.
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Printable Recipe Card
TRADITIONAL MINT JULEP
Ingredients
To make the simple syrup:
- 1 cup filtered water
- ½ cup coconut palm sugar or granulated sugar
To make the cocktail:
- 1.5 ounces Kentucky Bourbon
- 1.5 ounces simple syrup
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves muddled (crushed) into a chunky paste (or to taste)
- crushed ice
- ginger ale
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
To make the simple syrup:
- -Bring the water and sugar to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook and stir until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly (approximately 3-4 minutes). Cool completely.
To make the cocktail:
- -Add the first four ingredients into a cocktail glass. Top with ginger ale and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's easy bourbon cocktail recipe for Mint Juleps as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
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