Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic37.5% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatemuddled drink
Why: 4 ingredients, muddled drink, requires muddler
Best for: BBQ, Chocolate, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseSweetenerMixerGarnish
- 4 freshMintGarnish
- 2 1/2 ozBourbonBase
- 1 tspPowdered SugarSweetener
- 2 tspWaterMixer
Tools:muddler
How to Make It
StirMuddleGarnish
- In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar and water.MuddleMuddling releases oils, juice or aroma without needing a blender.
- Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is well frosted.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.HerbsMint is cool and fresh. Basil is a workable swap in spirit-forward or citrus drinks — it is peppery and sweeter, so use slightly less. Rosemary works in shorter, more spirit-led drinks but it is much more resinous. Always bruise rather than shred to avoid releasing bitter compounds.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Mint Julep?
- The Mint Julep is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 37.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 195 calories.
- What does a Mint Julep taste like?
- Mint Julep has a flavour profile featuring Sugar, Sweet, Caramel, Oak. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Mint Julep?
- Mint Julep pairs well with BBQ, Chocolate, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Mint Julep?
- The Mint Julep has an ABV of approximately 37.5%. That's approximately 1.88 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 195 calories, 2.8g sugar, 2.8g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Mint Julep typically served?
- Mint Julep is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Mint Julep?
- If you enjoy Mint Julep, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Mint Julep at home?
- Yes. The Mint Julep uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Collins Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Mint Julep with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.