Easy Mint Julep Cocktail With 3 Ingredients
Known as the drink of the Kentucky Derby, a Mint Julep Cocktail is a fancy and tasty drink with strong Kentucky Bourbon. This is one of many Fun Cocktail Recipes you’ll find on Oh My Creative!
This ice-cold cocktail is the perfect thing to serve on a hot day. Not only will the sweet drink cool you down, but the sprigs of fresh mint are equally as refreshing, too.
The Kentucky Derby is every year in May, always scheduled around Mother’s Day. Even though it’s known as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, you can serve it any time of year. It’s a perfect three ingredient drink for bridal showers, Mother’s Day brunch, or for a girl’s night.
Its refreshing flavor make it the perfect summertime drink.
Kentucky Derby Drink
Are you a fan of the Kentucky Derby? It’s basically a championship horse race – the biggest one in the country!
But it’s so much more than that. The Derby is also a time for people to dress up and host garden parties or cookouts. Every year, you’ll find articles about the current fashion and food at the Kentucky Derby.
A mint julep is one thing that will never change at the Kentucky Derby. It’s been the official drink of the derby since 1983 (but the drink itself is centuries older than that!).
Is A Mint Julep Whiskey Or Bourbon?
To keep this drink authentic, you should only use Kentucky bourbon. Tennessee might make some amazing whiskeys that would taste delicious in the mint julep, but then it won’t be a mint julep.
It’s best to make a mint julep with Kentucky bourbon and serve it in a silver cup or glass.
What Is A Good Bourbon Whiskey For Mint Julep?
As long as you use authentic Kentucky bourbon in your drink, it will taste fantastic! Even so, I’ll share some of my favorite brands.
Woodford Reserve is a very smooth bourbon that accentuates the sweet flavors of the mint. It’s one of the most common brands used to make mint juleps.
Four Roses is a bit spicier with a fuller body to it. This is another popular bourbon, but it’s stronger, so be aware of that before you use it.
Finally, lots of people love Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It’s a wheated bourbon and is a touch sweeter. People often pick up notes of bananas and sugar, so it is a wonderful choice for mint juleps.
What’s The Difference Between A Mint Mojito And Julep?
Whenever you make a mojito, you’ll know that you always use some form of citrus juice, and it’s often lime.
Mint juleps don’t use citrus flavors at all – just bourbon, mint, and simple syrup.
The type of alcohol they use is another big difference between mint juleps and mojitos. Mint juleps use bourbon, but mojitos are made with rum.
More Great Cocktail Recipes:
If you enjoy making cocktails, I have a bunch of other fun and creative mixed drinks you should make next!
- Irish Margarita With Jameson
- 35 Creative Margarita Recipes
- Peach Mojito
- Pomegranate Sea Breeze
- Delicious Frozen Peach Margaritas
- Easy Piña Colada Recipe With 3 Ingredients
Cocktails are a fun way to tie in the theme of a party!
Here’s the complete recipe so you can make a mint julep at home. Don’t forget to pin this post to Pinterest so you can find it later!
Mint Julep Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Simple Syrup
- 2 sprigs Fresh Mint
- 3 ounces Kentucky Bourbon
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle 6 mint leaves in the bottom of the glass with one tablespoon simple syrup.
- Add ice to glass and pour in bourbon. Top with a sprig of mint.
Nutrition
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Kentucky Derby Ideas:
If you are planning on enjoying this Derby cocktail while enjoying the Kentucky Derby, these ideas may be helpful!
- Kentucky Derby Decorations
- Kentucky Derby Hats
- Kentucky Derby Plates & Napkins
- Cute Kentucky Derby Horse Banner
There’s no better way to celebrate your summer than with a delicious Mint Julep! So put on your favorite summer tunes, gather your ingredients and start mixing up some cool cocktails. Cheers!
Susan B
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