What is the best mint for a mint julep?

I like to use Spearmint in this cocktail - and it’s the standard mint sold in grocery stores. I would avoid using peppermint. According to legendary New Orleans barman Chris McMillian, "the man who would put peppermint into a mint julep would put scorpions into a baby's bed."

What bourbon is used in a mint julep?

Which brand of bourbon you use is personal preference. For example, Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon served at the Kentucky Derby and included in their mint juleps (until 2027), so that’s a good option. On the other hand, my mom always used Jack Daniels (which is technically a bourbon, but markets itself as whiskey).

What is the difference between a mojito and mint julep?

While both drinks contain mint and sugar, the rest of the ingredients are different: - A mint julep calls for bourbon, whereas as mojito is made with rum. - And, a mint julep is made with simple syrup, while a traditional mojito is made with granulated sugar and club soda. - A mojito is made with lime juice, and a mint julep has no citrus added. - A mint julep is garnished with mint, a mojito with a slice of lime.

Mint Julep Kentucky Derby Drink - A Well Seasoned Kitchen

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups water
2 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup + 1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves, divided use (plus sprigs for garnish)
1 bottle good bourbon (Mom preferred Jack Daniels)
Ice

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Instructions

Make a simple syrup: bring water to a boil; reduce heat to simmer and stir in sugar. Continue cooking, until until sugar dissolves and water is no longer cloudy (doesn’t take very long). Stir in mint, crushing mint leaves with your stirring spoon. Remove from heat, cover, let cool and refrigerate for several hours or overnight (the longer the better) to allow the mint flavor to steep into the syrup.
Place a few mint leaves in the bottom of each mint julep cup, and crush with a muddler (or back of a spoon). Fill each cup with lots of ice (to the top). Add 3 ounces (1/3 cup) of bourbon, 3 to 4 tablespoons of the mint simple syrup (or more to taste).
Add a sprig of fresh mint to each glass and serve.

Notes

Make ahead: Minted simple syrup can be made up to 1 month ahead. To store, after 48 hours of steeping in the refrigerator, strain out the mint leaves and discard. Place syrup back in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for around 1 month.

Author: From "A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®" by Sally Clayton and Lee Clayton Roper
Category: cocktails, make ahead
Cuisine: Southern