The Story Behind The Bulleit Bourbon Mint Julep

This bourbon — and it must be bourbon — cocktail is famously associated with Derby Days, but it’s incredibly easy to make for any warm-weather party. While its ties to Churchill Downs go back to the 1930s, the julep actually originated in ancient Persia. Its name is derived from gûl-ab, the Persian word for rosewater, which was a medicinal mix of water and an infused syrup. As the elixir made its way to the Mediterranean, easily accessible mint replaced the rose. The key to this simple drink is a lot of crushed ice and ensuring that the metal julep cup gets nice and frosty while stirring. And, of course, a lot of fresh mint. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Bulleit Bourbon
  • 5 ounces mint simple syrup
  • Garnish: mint sprig

Directions

  1. Combine bourbon and mint simple syrup in a pitcher and refrigerate until needed.
  2. Pour about 2 ounces of the chilled mixture into 10 julep glasses filled with crushed ice.
  3. Insert a bar spoon or swizzle stick into each glass, and rotate it between your hands until frost starts to form.
  4. Top with more crushed ice and garnish with mint sprigs.

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Yield: 6 (Approximate serving size is 1.5 servings. Please enjoy responsibly.)
Updated: 2023-05-05

Mint Simple Syrup Ingredients

  • 8 ounces granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces water
  • ½ cup fresh mint

Mint Simple Syrup Directions

  1. In a medium size pot, heat the sugar and water for 15–20 minutes on a low simmer until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally to prevent caking.
  2. Turn the heat off and submerge mint into mixture.
  3. After about one hour, strain the mixture into a container for storage, and label, date, and refrigerate for later use. Good for three weeks. Yields 12 ounces of mint simple syrup.
This bourbon cocktail is famously associated with Derby Days, but it’s incredibly easy to make for any warm-weather party.

This recipe is sponsored by The Bar.