BHA & BHT Free Mint Julep

Total time10 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time5 min

Few cocktails carry as much romance and ritual as this Southern classic, and making it from scratch at home means you know exactly what's going into your glass. Many commercial syrups and flavored spirits sneak in synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT to extend shelf life, so mixing your own simple syrup from just sugar and water is a genuinely smart move. The homemade syrup comes together in minutes on the stovetop and keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can batch it ahead for a crowd. Fresh mint leaves are muddled gently — just enough to release their fragrance without turning bitter — then packed under a mountain of crushed ice and a generous pour of bourbon. The result is bracingly cold, faintly sweet, and deeply aromatic, with that signature frosted cup that makes the whole experience feel like an occasion. A dusting of powdered sugar over the mint garnish is optional, but it adds a beautiful finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.

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Ingredients

1 serving

For the simple syrup

¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup water

For the cocktail

8 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 sprig for garnish
½ oz simple syrup (from above)
2 oz bourbon
1 cup crushed ice
1 pinch powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine the granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. (The syrup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.)
2
Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a chilled julep cup or rocks glass. Add the simple syrup and muddle gently — press and twist the muddler 3–4 times just until the leaves are bruised and fragrant. Do not shred the leaves.

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