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This single serving Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail made with fresh mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice. Ready in about 5 minutes!
My Go-To Bourbon Cocktail
A Mint Julep is my go-to bourbon cocktail. I make one every Kentucky Derby season, but honestly, I don’t always wait that long.
It’s made with bourbon, fresh mint, and simple syrup, and once you muddle the mint you’re basically done. Use a bourbon you like drinking on its own and you’re already halfway there.
Derby season or not, this one’s always worth making.
If you enjoy this Mint Julep, you might also like these single serving cocktails: Aperol Spritz, Tequila Sunrise, Ranch Water, and Strawberry Daiquiri.
Ingredients
See recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. You can buy it at the store, but making it yourself takes about five minutes and tastes noticeably fresher. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a month, so make a small batch and use it in other cocktails throughout the week.
- Bourbon Selection: Use a bourbon you’d drink on its own. Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek are two reliable options, but any mid-range bourbon you enjoy will work well here. A smoother bourbon gives you a more balanced drink and a bolder one will come through more prominently.
- Fresh Mint: Look for bright green leaves with no browning at the edges. Dull or wilted mint won’t give you the clean, fresh flavor this drink needs. If you buy a full bunch, the leftover mint is great in iced tea, lemonade, or a small batch of tabbouleh.
- Ice: Crushed ice is worth the effort here. It chills the drink faster, creates a light slush texture, and keeps everything cold longer. If you don’t have a way to crush ice at home, place cubes in a zip-top bag and give them a few good whacks with a rolling pin or heavy mug.
How To Make Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is easy to make at home and takes about five minutes. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month and use it in other cocktails throughout the week.
Recipe Variations
A few ways to change things up:
- Peach Mint Julep – Muddle a few small pieces of fresh peach along with the mint before adding the bourbon.
- Frozen Mint Julep – Add all the ingredients to a blender with crushed ice and blend until smooth.
- Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep – Swap the bourbon for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, available at most liquor stores and larger grocery stores, or skip it altogether and add a little extra simple syrup and club soda.
- Vodka Mint Julep – Replace the bourbon with vodka for a lighter tasting drink.
- Citrus Mint Julep – Add a small splash of fresh lemon juice before stirring for a brighter, slightly tart finish.
How To Make A Mint Julep
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
Start by adding fresh mint leaves to your glass and pouring in the simple syrup. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, press the mint gently into the syrup with a few light presses. You don’t need much pressure.
Pour the bourbon over the muddled mint, then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice and stir until the outside of the glass is frosty.
Add a fresh sprig of mint to the top and serve right away.
Expert Tips
Muddle lightly. Pressing too hard makes the mint bitter. A few gentle presses is all you need.
Cool your simple syrup completely. Adding warm syrup will water down the ice faster than you’d like. Make it ahead and chill it in the refrigerator.
Pack the ice tightly. A well-packed glass of crushed ice keeps the drink colder longer and gives you that classic frosty exterior.
Drink it quickly. This cocktail is best enjoyed right away before the ice melts and the mint flavor fades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any mid-range bourbon works well. Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, and Woodford Reserve are popular choices. Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking on its own.
Yes. Simple syrup keeps in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Crushed ice is traditional and gives the best texture, but regular ice cubes work fine. The drink won’t frost the glass as quickly, but it will still taste the same.
Muddle gently. You only need light pressure to release the mint’s natural oils. Aggressive muddling breaks down the leaves and makes the drink taste sharp.
Yes. Replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, available at most liquor stores and larger grocery stores, or skip it altogether and add a little extra simple syrup and club soda.
If you’ve tried this single serve Mint Julep recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 mint leaves -plus more for garnish
- 2 ounces simple syrup *see notes below
- 2 ounces bourbon
- crushed ice
Instructions
- Add mint leaves to your glass and pour in the simple syrup. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently press the mint into the syrup with a few light presses.
- Pour the bourbon over the muddled mint.
- Pack the glass with crushed ice and stir until the outside of the glass is frosty, about 20 seconds.
- Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and serve immediately.
Notes
Cool your simple syrup completely. Adding warm syrup will water down the ice faster than you’d like. Make it ahead and chill it in the refrigerator.
Pack the ice tightly. A well-packed glass of crushed ice keeps the drink colder longer and gives you that classic frosty exterior.
Drink it quickly. This cocktail is best enjoyed right away before the ice melts and the mint flavor fades. Simple Syrup Recipe Simple syrup is easy to make at home and takes about five minutes. Combine one cup of sugar with one cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month and use it in other cocktails throughout the week.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
JUST IN TIME FOR
DERBY COMING UP.
I WILL ENJOY IT.
THANK YOU PAT.