Oats Free Mint Julep
Few cocktails carry as much charm and ceremony as this Southern classic — a frosty, fragrant glass that feels like a celebration in every sip. Fresh mint leaves are gently muddled with a homemade simple syrup, releasing just enough herbal perfume without turning bitter, then layered with good bourbon and a generous mound of crushed ice. The result is bracingly cold, lightly sweet, and deeply aromatic in the best possible way. For anyone navigating grain sensitivities, it's worth knowing that bourbon is distilled from a grain mash, but the distillation process removes proteins — and crucially, every ingredient here is naturally free from oats and oat-derived additives. The simple syrup is made from scratch with just sugar and water, so there are no store-bought syrups with mystery thickeners or hidden grain-based ingredients to worry about. A dusting of powdered sugar over the mint garnish is a lovely finishing touch that makes the whole thing look as good as it tastes. This is the kind of drink you mix slowly, serve with intention, and enjoy even more slowly.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!