Mint Julep Recipe
Woodford Reserve bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup
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Ingredients
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For the Cocktail
Tools & Garnish
Method
Prepare Glass & Mint
Chill cup and prepare mint
Place the julep cup or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare ingredients. Take 8–10 fresh mint leaves and gently slap them between your palms or clap them to release the oils; do not pulverize.
Discard ice water from the glass (if used) and add the lightly bruised mint leaves to the bottom of the chilled cup.
Mixing the Julep
Add syrup and muddle gently
Pour 3/4 oz simple syrup over the mint leaves. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, press the mint leaves just enough to release aroma and oils — 4–6 gentle presses. Avoid shredding the leaves into small pieces.
Add bourbon and bitters
Add 3 oz Woodford Reserve bourbon to the cup. If using, add 1 dash Angostura bitters. Stir once or twice gently with a bar spoon to combine the bourbon and syrup with the mint.
Add crushed ice and build
Fill the cup with crushed ice, packing it slightly to mound above the rim. Use more crushed ice if necessary to create a frosty mound; this helps chill and slightly dilute the drink to the correct balance.
Serve
Serve immediately while the cup is frosty. Encourage sipping slowly to enjoy the aroma and gradual dilution. Replenish crushed ice if it melts significantly during service.