This post may contain affiliate links which help support Girls Can Grill.
The mint julep is a tried-and-true Kentucky Derby cocktail. It’s one of those drinks that is sweet enough to make everyone fall in love with bourbon – even those who think they don’t like it. And that’s pretty amazing, considering the drink is mostly bourbon.
I recommend starting with quality bourbon because it will drink more smoothly. The good stuff usually runs $30-40 a bottle.
The second most important ingredient is mint simple syrup. At Girls Can Grill, we don’t just go with any simple syrup. Nope. It’s gotta be smoked simple syrup. I can’t even begin to describe how well the smokiness goes with the bourbon.
Lastly, serve it cold cold cold! To achieve this, fill a julep cup with crushed ice. Once you add the bourbon, smoked mint simple syrup and a splash of water, add more ice. It’s almost like drinking a minty bourbon slush.
Smoked Jalapeno Margarita
Smoked Cosmopolitan
Smoked Mojito
Smoked Tom Collins
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Smoked Mint Julep
Instructions
- Make a batch of smoked simple syrup and steep in a mason jar with mint leaves.
- Fill a glass with crushed ice. Add the mint simple syrup, bourbon and splash of water. Top with more ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.