Derby Mint Julep

From the kitchen of Carly

A proper mint julep starts with homemade mint syrup, steeped and chilled until perfect. Crushed ice, bourbon, and bruised mint leaves come together in layers, building a drink that's refreshing, spirit-forward, and entirely worth the effort.

Prep
n/a
Cook
n/a
Total
n/a
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 115 mint sprigs (1 bunch)
  • 11 cup raw sugar
  • 13 large fresh mint leaves, plus 3 mint sprigs for garnish
  • 12 cups crushed ice, divided
  • 11 1/2 ounces 100-proof bourbon (such as Four Roses), divided
  • 112-ounce julep cup

Instructions

  1. Combine mint, sugar, and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Using a fine-mesh sieve or a colander lined with cheesecloth, strain mixture into a heatproof container and chill at least 25 minutes.

  2. Using your hands, lightly slap mint leaves, being careful not to bruise them, and place in a julep cup. Add 1/3 cup ice, then 2 tsp. Mint Simple Syrup. Pack another 1/3 cup ice on top. Add 1 oz. bourbon and stir. Add another 1/3 cup ice and remaining 1/2 oz. bourbon. Top with remaining 1 cup ice, tightly packing into a dome. Insert a straw into ice and garnish with mint sprigs.

  3. The Mint Simple Syrup can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.