Tree Nut Free Mint Julep
Few cocktails feel as effortlessly elegant as a cold, frosty julep cup sweating in your hand on a warm afternoon. Fresh mint leaves are muddled just enough to release their fragrance without turning bitter, then layered with a quick homemade simple syrup and good bourbon over a generous mound of crushed ice. The result is bracingly cold, lightly sweet, and deeply aromatic — everything a classic Southern cocktail should be. Because the syrup is made from scratch with just sugar and water, there are no store-bought mixers or flavored syrups to second-guess, keeping the ingredient list completely straightforward. A dusting of powdered sugar on the mint garnish is a small optional touch that makes the whole thing look like it came straight from a proper bar program. This is the kind of drink that rewards a little patience — stir until the cup frosts over, and don't rush it.
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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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