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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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  • 10 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons superfine sugar
  • Seltzer water
  • Crushed ice
  • 2 1/2 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon whiskey
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 in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass and top with the sugar. Muddle these together until the leaves begin to break down. Add a splash of seltzer water, fill the glass 3/4 full with crushed ice, and add the bourbon. Top with another splash of seltzer, stir, and garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.
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