Kentucky Jewel Recipe
Bulleit bourbon, ginger beer & fresh mint.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Muddle
In a mixing glass or shaker, place 8 fresh mint leaves and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle the mint just enough to release aromatic oils — do not pulverize (6–8 light presses).
Build and shake
Add 2 oz Bulleit bourbon, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters to the muddled mint. Fill the shaker with ice (not crushed) and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.
Prepare glass
Fill a highball or Collins glass with about 1 cup crushed ice.
Strain and top
Double-strain the shaken mixture over the crushed ice to remove mint fragments (use a Hawthorne plus fine mesh or julep strainer). Immediately top with 4 oz chilled ginger beer, pouring gently to preserve carbonation.
Finish and garnish
Give the drink one gentle stir (1–2 rotations) to integrate ginger beer with the bourbon mixture. Slap a mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and place it as garnish. Add a lime wheel or wedge on the rim.
Serve
Serve immediately while ginger beer is fizzy and mint is aromatic. Provide a straw if desired.