Kentucky Derby Mint Julep (Printable Version)

A minty, citrusy Southern-style drink with sparkling water and fresh herbs, ideal for warm weather.

# What You'll Need:

→ Mint Syrup

01 - 1/4 cup water
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

→ Mocktail

04 - 1 cup crushed ice
05 - 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
06 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - 2 tablespoons mint syrup
08 - Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

# Steps:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add mint leaves, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool.
02 - Fill two julep cups or glasses with crushed ice.
03 - Pour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of mint syrup over the ice in each glass.
04 - Top each glass with 1/2 cup of sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to combine.
05 - Garnish generously with fresh mint sprigs. Serve immediately with a straw.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes sophisticated and celebratory without requiring you to stock a full bar or apologize for the choice not to drink alcohol.
  • Fresh mint makes your kitchen smell like a botanical garden, and watching people's faces light up when they take that first sip feels like a small magic trick you're performing.
02 -
  • If your mint syrup is warm when you pour it, your drink becomes a watery disappointment about three minutes later—patience here means success.
  • Muddling a few mint leaves directly in the glass before you add anything else creates an entirely different flavor experience, one that tastes greener and more assertive in the best way possible.
03 -
  • Make your mint syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week—this turns a ten-minute drink into a five-minute drink when friends arrive unannounced.
  • The difference between good crushed ice and bad crushed ice is the difference between a drink that stays cold and one that becomes diluted sadness, so invest in a proper ice crusher or ask your freezer about its capabilities.
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