Mint Julep Recipe – The Classic Southern  Cocktail

The Mint Julep is a timeless Southern cocktail made with fresh mint, bourbon, sugar, and crushed ice. Known for its refreshing flavor and iconic presentation in a silver or pewter cup, the mint julep has become especially famous as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. With just a few ingredients, this bourbon cocktail is easy to make and perfect for warm-weather sipping.

Whether you’re preparing for a Derby party, relaxing on a porch, or just love mint-forward drinks, this mint julep recipe brings Southern tradition to your glass.

What Is a Mint Julep?

The mint julep is a cold, strong, and minty cocktail traditionally served in a metal cup to keep it frosty. While it originated in the American South in the 18th century, the drink gained national recognition through its association with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

At its core, a mint julep is a bourbon-based cocktail sweetened with simple syrup (or sugar) and infused with fresh mint, served over a mound of crushed ice.

The Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep

The non-alcoholic mint julep is a refreshing, booze-free twist on the classic Southern cocktail. With the same cooling mint, crushed ice, and sweet simplicity, this mocktail version delivers all the flavor and elegance - using our Clean W to replace the alcohol.

Taste Profile

A mint julep is:

- Cooling and refreshing from the fresh mint

- Sweet and smooth from the sugar and Clean W

- Aromatic thanks to the crushed ice and mint combo

It’s designed for slow sipping and is particularly satisfying on hot, humid days.