Kentucky Derby Mint Julep (Printable Version)

A bright and minty Southern beverage featuring fresh mint and lemon, served chilled over sparkling water.

# What You Need:

→ Mint Syrup

01 - 1/4 cup water
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

→ Mocktail

04 - 1 cup crushed ice
05 - 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
06 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - 2 tablespoons mint syrup
08 - Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

# Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add mint leaves, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and allow to cool completely.
02 - Fill two julep cups or glasses with crushed ice, distributing evenly.
03 - Pour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of mint syrup over the ice in each glass.
04 - Top each glass with 1/2 cup of sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
05 - Garnish generously with fresh mint sprigs. Serve immediately with a straw.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like summer in a glass without any of the alcohol hangover drama.
  • The fresh mint syrup is so simple you'll wonder why you haven't been making it forever.
  • Crushing your own ice and watching the condensation bead on the cup feels like a small celebration, every single time.
02 -
  • The difference between a soggy mint julep and a crisp one is timing—make these to order or accept that they'll dilute within ten minutes, which is a lesson I learned the hard way when I prepped pitchers for a party.
  • Muddle a few mint leaves in the glass before adding ice if you want an extra layer of intensity, but only if you're gentle about it; bruise the leaves and they turn black and bitter instead of releasing their oils.
03 -
  • If your lemons feel hard and unforgiving, roll them across the counter with your palm before cutting—it breaks down the membranes inside and releases way more juice than squeezing alone ever could.
  • The secret to not bruising your mint is to handle it like it's delicate even though it's actually quite tough; steep it gently and strain it patiently, and it rewards you with brightness instead of bitterness.
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