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Bourbon, fresh mint, and seltzer are all you need to whip up Alton Brown's Kentucky Derby-ready classic cocktail perfect for any occasion.
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Course: Drinks
Keyword: Cocktails, Drinks, Mint Julep, Southern, Spring, Summer, Whiskey

Mint Julep

Alton Browns mint julep with crushed ice in a rocks glass and a mint sprig garnish.
ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
This key to this classic Southern summer cocktail is fresh mint (properly muddled) and old-fashioned Kentucky bourbon.
Some of the oldest cocktails were born at the hands of apothecaries, who would grind up herbs and spices and roots and whatnot as medicine. They'd add a little bit of sweet liquor to, you know, make the medicine go down a little more easily.
Well, I don't know if the mint julep was born that way, but I do know it's good for what ails you, if what ails you happens to be the hot old sun and three-piece suit in the middle of summer.
This recipe first appeared in Season 9 of Good Eats and was updated in Season 2 of Good Eats: Reloaded.
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  • 5 whole mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
  • 3 ounces bourbon
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon fine sugar
  • crushed ice
Alton Browns mint julep with crushed ice in a rocks glass and a mint sprig garnish.
ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail

Procedure

  • Place the mint leaves at the bottom of a julep cup or rocks glass. Add 1 ounce of the bourbon and gently press down and twist using a dowel or smooth muddler to bring out the oils in the leaves.
  • Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the sugar, depending on your desired sweetness, then fill the cup halfway up with crushed ice. Stir gently to combine. Add more ice to come all the way up the cup and slowly add the remaining bourbon.
  • Garnish with a mint sprig and a straw, sip slowly and enjoy.
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