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Maker’s Mark Mint Julep

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How to make a Maker's Mark Mint Julep with fresh mint, bourbon, and crushed ice-this classic Kentucky Derby cocktail is refreshing all summer long.

Cool, crisp, and unmistakably Southern, the Maker's Mark Mint Julep is one of the most refreshing bourbon cocktails you can make and a true classic Mint Julep recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, fresh mint, simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice, it delivers bold flavor with an elegant presentation.

Mint leaves, a decanter of Kentucky bourbon, and a mint julip in a mint julip cup on a silver tray.

Like my Irish Coffee recipe on St. Patrick's Day and a Margarita on the Rocks for Cinco de Mayo, this classic bourbon cocktail is the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. But its icy cold, minty flavor makes it just as perfect for sipping all summer long.

The preparation is simple. Essentially, it is a smash cocktail, where fresh mint is gently muddled with simple syrup in a serving vessel, then topped with bourbon and crushed ice.

The classic serving vessel is a julep cup, a footed metal cup. But modern servings are often in glassware that hosts have on hand, such as an old-fashioned glass, a tall Collins glass, or a highball glass, each with a straw.

🔍 Quick Look: Maker's Mark Mint Julep Recipe

  • Ready in: 5 minutes
  • Servings: 1
  • Calories: 306 kcal
  • Main Ingredients: Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon, Mint Simple Syrup, Fresh Mint, and Crushed Ice
  • Elements of Taste: Sweet
  • Cook Method: No Cook - Muddle and Mix
  • Difficulty: Easy, making it great for cooks of all levels.
  • Why You'll Love It: A Maker's Mark Mint Julep is a quick, refreshing bourbon cocktail with fresh mint and crushed ice-perfect for the Kentucky Derby and easy summer sipping.
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Why You'll Love This Maker's Mark Mint Julep Recipe

  • Made with smooth Maker's Mark bourbon and fresh mint
  • A refreshing Kentucky Derby cocktail for spring and summer
  • Only 4 simple ingredients
  • Ready in just 5 minutes
  • Easy to scale for parties and entertaining

Mint Julep Ingredients

Maker's Mark Mint Julep Ingredients & Special Tools - Maker's Mark Kentucky bourbon, fresh mint leaves, mint simple syrup, crushed ice, and a muddler and bar spoon.

Here's what you need:

  • Fresh Mint Leaves & Sprig of Mint - You'll need leaves to muddle and a sprig to enhance the drink's aroma. Spearmint is the norm, but only use fresh! Don't even consider using dried.
  • Mint Simple Syrup - Buy or make homemade mint simple syrup. You can also use plain simple syrup.
  • Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey - This smooth Kentucky Bourbon with caramel flavor notes is a favorite for making a mint julep.
  • Crushed Ice

Please see the recipe card for the exact quantities.

Best Bourbon for a Mint Julep (Beyond Maker's Mark)

Substitutions for Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon, from left to right: Wild Turkey 101, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Jim Beam Bourbon, and Blade and Bow.

My personal favorite is Maker's Mark for a classic mint julep, but these other Kentucky bourbon choices are delicious, too!

  • Wild Turkey 101 - Bold and rich flavor with sweet baking spices.
  • Woodford Reserve Double Oaked - Strong toasted caramel and vanilla.
  • Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon - Medium body, toasted vanilla.
  • Blade and Bow - Smooth, mild, with apricot & vanilla notes.

How to Make a Mint Julep

Process Photo 1 - Muddling mint leaves with mint simple syrup in a glass or cup.
  1. Step 1: Muddle Mint and Syrup. In a julep cup or rocks glass, use a muddler to muddle the mint leaves in the mint simple syrup.
Process Photo 2 - Adding the Kentucky bourbon to the muddled mint.
  1. Step 2: Stir in Bourbon. Add the bourbon and stir well.
Process Photo 3 - Adding crushed ice to the glass containing the muddled mint and bourbon.
  1. Step 3: Add Crushed Ice. Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice and continue to stir with a cocktail spoon until the glass is frosty. If using a clear glass, use the spoon to pull some of the leaves up against the glass for a pretty look.
Process Photo 4 - The finished Mint Julep in a clear glass and garnished with a large sprig of mint.
  1. Step 4: Top and Garnish. Top the cocktail with more crushed ice. Garnish with a bushy sprig of mint.
Mint leaves, a decanter of Kentucky bourbon, and a mint julip in a mint julip cup on a silver tray.

Serve and enjoy! Here is the classic presentation in a frosty mint julep cup. It's perfect for Derby Day parties or relaxing on a warm summer evening.

Mint Julep Cups

Two hammered silver colored metal julep cups on a silver tray with a decanter of bourbon and fresh mint.

The julep cup is a small, footed metal cup and the most iconic serving vessel for a Mint Julep. When filled with crushed ice, the outside of the julep cup forms a frosty layer of ice that keeps the beverage cool. Don't skip the sprig of fresh mint; there is nothing like having the aroma of fresh mint with every sip!

How to Make Crushed Ice for a Mint Julep

If you don't have crushed ice, place ice cubes in a zip-top bag wrapped in a kitchen towel, then gently crush them with a rolling pin or mallet until finely crushed. You can also use a canvas ice bag with a mallet to do the job. A canvas bag absorbs excess water, keeping the ice crisp.

My Top Tips

♡ Use crushed ice, not cubes.

♡ Gently muddle mint (don't shred it).

♡ Pack the glass tightly for that frosty exterior.

Mint Julep FAQ's

What is a Mint Julep made of?

A classic Mint Julep is made with fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice. It's a simple, refreshing cocktail with a balance of sweetness and bold bourbon flavor.

What bourbon is best for a Mint Julep?

A smooth, well-balanced bourbon like Maker's Mark is ideal for a Mint Julep, but other great options include Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey 101, and Jim Beam.

Can I make a Maker's Mark Mint Julep without simple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar for simple syrup. Just muddle the sugar thoroughly, but gently, with the mint leaves to help it dissolve.

Should you muddle mint hard or gently for a Mint Julep?

Gently muddle the mint for a soft mint flavor. If you muddle the mint too hard, it will make the drink bitter.

Can I use regular ice instead of crushed ice in a Mint Julep?

Regular ice is not recommended. Crushed ice chills the drink quickly and creates the signature frosty exterior on the glass, which helps keep the cocktail cold and refreshing.

Why is the Mint Julep associated with the Kentucky Derby?

This iconic cocktail has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938, making it a long-standing symbol of the event and Southern hospitality.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Mint Juleps are best made fresh, but you can prepare the mint simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
Mint leaves, a decanter of Kentucky bourbon, and a mint julip in a mint julip cup on a silver tray.

More Recipes and Posts with Mint You'll Love

♡ Did you love this recipe for a Maker's Mark Mint Julep? Please leave a star rating and a comment below. Thanks for visiting!

📖 Recipe

Mint leaves, a decanter of Kentucky bourbon, and a mint julip in a mint julip cup on a silver tray.

Maker's Mark Mint Julep

5 from 1 vote
By: Jan Nunes
How to make a Maker's Mark Mint Julep with fresh mint, bourbon, and crushed ice-this classic Kentucky Derby cocktail is refreshing all summer long.
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Prep Time ~ 5 minutes
Total Time ~ 5 minutes
Servings ~ 1 Serving
Calories ~ 306kcal

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Equipment

  • Muddler
  • Cocktail Spoon

Ingredients
 

  • 8 Mint Leaves
  • ½ Ounce Mint Simple Syrup
  • 4 Ounces Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Crushed Ice

Garnish:

  • Large Sprig of Mint

Instructions
 

  • Muddle Mint and Syrup. In a julep cup or rocks glass, use a muddler to muddle the mint leaves in the mint simple syrup.
    8 Mint Leaves, ½ Ounce Mint Simple Syrup
  • Stir in Bourbon. Add the bourbon and stir well
    4 Ounces Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
  • Add Crushed Ice. Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice and continue to stir with a cocktail spoon until the glass is frosty. If using a clear glass, use the spoon to pull some of the leaves up against the glass for a pretty look.
    Crushed Ice
  • Top and Garnish. Top the cocktail with more crushed ice to make a dome like a snow cone. Garnish with a bushy sprig of mint.
    Large Sprig of Mint

Notes

My Top Tips
Use crushed ice, not cubes.
Gently muddle mint (don’t shred it).
Pack the glass tightly for that frosty exterior.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Mint Juleps are best made fresh, but you can prepare the mint simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 340IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

Per 1 serving. All nutritional information on this site is an estimate. Your results may vary.

Encharted Cook™ or Jan Nunes shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result.

© 2018-2026 Encharted Cook, Jan Nunes. All rights reserved.

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

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About Jan Nunes

Jan is the creator and owner of Encharted Cook. Her cooking and baking journey began more than 50 years ago and she specializes in showing how recipes and ingredients can work together and why. At Encharted Cook you can rely on proven recipes and take your cooking and baking up to the next level.

Comments

    5 from 1 vote

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  1. Jan says

    This is a great drink to sip on warm afternoons and evenings. The flavor is rich with just the right amount of mint. ☺️

    Reply