Mustard Free Mint Julep
Few cocktails carry as much romance and ritual as this Southern classic — cold, fragrant, and impossibly refreshing on a warm afternoon. The good news for anyone navigating condiment sensitivities is that this drink is naturally built from clean, simple ingredients: fresh mint, bourbon, sugar, water, and ice. There's no hidden spice blends, no bottled mixers, and no reason to squint at a label wondering what's lurking inside. The homemade simple syrup comes together in minutes and keeps in the fridge for weeks, so you can have a batch ready whenever the mood strikes. Muddling the mint gently — just enough to bruise the leaves without shredding them — is the real secret to getting that bright, herbal aroma without any bitterness. Packed high with crushed ice and finished with a proud sprig of mint, this is the kind of drink that looks like it took serious effort but comes together with almost no fuss. Sip it slowly; the frosted cup alone is half the experience.
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Learn more →Ingredients
1 serving
For the simple syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 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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