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But when you make the mint simple syrup for this cocktail recipe, you’ll have plenty to use in a mojito, so try them both out and decide for yourself! I am more of a bourbon drinker, which is why I’m team mint julep. The mojito is a delicious cocktail if you are a rum drinker. In addition to the fresh mint, the mojito can be garnished with a lime wedge. Then, you pour in the rum, club soda and lime juice. A mojito also has the citrus component of lime juice, which a mint julep does not have.Īnother difference is that the mojito includes a bubbly component like soda water, while the mint julep does not.Ĭlassic mojito recipes start with crushing fresh mint in a highball glass with a cocktail muddler. The main difference between these two minty cocktails is that a mint julep is made with bourbon and a mojito is made with white rum. They are both super refreshing summer sippers, and they are both typically garnished with a fresh mint sprig. Mint Julep vs MojitoĪ mint julep and a mojito are similar because of their use of fresh mint and simple sugar syrup. Using crushed ice makes it extra festive. If you don’t have insulated mugs, just be sure to fill your glass up to the brim with ice. At Churchill Downs, you’re getting a plastic cup whether you like it or not. The best part about making this mint julep recipe at home is that you can use the right drinkware. And you can use them for all kinds of summer drinks, not just juleps! Etsy has a ton of them and they’re super cute and not that expensive. There is a great selection of cool mint julep cups online. Mint Julep cups are designed to keep things icy, and they’re great to have for all kinds of summer drinks. Most traditional Mint Juleps are served in insulated copper or pewter cups, like the kind you’d use for Moscow mules. It’s important to keep this bourbon cocktail as cold as possible.
#Easy mint julep recipe how to#
It’s so refreshing! How to serve a classic Mint Julep No cocktail shaker required! Pack the glass with crushed ice, sprinkle a few drops of bitters on top, and get sippin’.ĭouble down on that fresh mint flavor by garnishing with more fresh mint, so you get a little whiff of it every time you take a sip.
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Just pour the bourbon and mint simple syrup into a cocktail glass and stir them together gently. Once the syrup is done, the rest is easy. It will keep forever in the refrigerator and it’s a great way to use up your mint if it’s growing like crazy in your garden. The nice part about using this mint simple syrup means that you won’t have to muddle the mint at the bottom of the glass. The longer you let the syrup sit, the deeper the herby flavors will be. Boil them together in a saucepan and let them simmer for a while to let the flavors merge. Infusing fresh mint and other herbs into your own simple syrup is very straightforward – equal parts herbs, water and sugar. It gives the cocktail a flavor similar to sweet tea. How to make a Mint Julep Making the Mint Simple Syrupįirst, we’re making mint simple syrup. Bitters aren’t a traditional ingredient in mint juleps, but trust me, you’ll love it! Since we only use a dash or two, bitters don’t contribute anything to the overall alcohol content of this drink. Bitters add an amazing complexity to cocktails and are especially awesome with bourbon. This is a neutral liquor infused with herbs, spices and natural botanicals.
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A Kentucky bourbon like Woodford Reserve goes with our Derby theme perfectly. I always go for a moderately-priced bourbon when I’m mixing it with other ingredients.
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Remember, all bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbon. Here’s what you’ll need to mix up the official drink of the Kentucky Derby: The perfect sipper for those hot summer days that are on their way.Īnd with our mint plant growing in our garden like a weed, we’ll be mixing up these easy cocktails all summer long! What’s in a Mint Julep?Ī classic Mint Julep is super simple – bourbon, muddled mint, sugar or simple syrup and lots of ice. We think fireplaces and cozy scenes, or dimly lit restaurants and bars.īut this bourbon drink turns the tables! It’s cool, fresh and crisp. When most people think bourbon, we think classic cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned. This mint julep recipe is not the bourbon drink that you’re used to. So grab your fancy hats, place your bets and stick your pinkies out, cause we’re making Derby Day at home! It takes just a minute to whip up these delicious mint cocktails. It’s Derby season, which means it’s time to mix up this Mint Julep recipe! This classic cocktail is slightly sweet, naturally minty and so refreshing.
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