How to make Maple Mint Julep? (Easy to make and Flavorful)

• Food: Maple Mint Julep
• Writer: Nicolas Wilson
• Content-Type: Food Blog

Let’s make mint juleps because it’s Kentucky Derby day and it’s 80 degrees outside! Fresh mint, whiskey, and simple syrup are used to make mint juleps, which are refreshing yet alcoholic cocktails.

Mint juleps are for bourbon connoisseurs, which means they’re not for you if you don’t enjoy the spirit.

What’s my take on the traditional mint julep recipe? Instead of using simple syrup, I used real maple syrup, which eliminates the need to dissolve sugar in water. Making maple mint juleps couldn’t be easier!

Bourbon and maple syrup are a match made in heaven, and the maple syrup adds a subtle layer of flavor to the mix.

Ingredients for a Mint Julep

To create mint juleps at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Mint leaves, fresh (spearmint)
• Syrup made from maple trees
• Crushed ice
• Bourbon

How to Make Them?

The easy steps are as follows:

1. In a strong glass, muddle some mint.
2. Drizzle with maple syrup.
3. Pour a good amount of bourbon into the glass.
4. Add a sprig of mint and a ton of crushed ice to finish.

Suggestions for a Mint Julep

Crushed ice is used since it dissolves more quickly in the drink, which is very useful when sipping bourbon on a hot day.

I stopped at Sonic for a large cup of ice, which they graciously provided (the large size provided barely enough ice for these three drinks).

Make sure to use high-quality bourbon. I chose Old Overholt, which is a popular and inexpensive brand. Bulleit bourbon is also excellent.

Before garnishing, gently clap the mint sprig. I know it sounds strange, but clapping the sprig between your hands releases a lot of the mint’s natural oils, making it more fragrant.

Maple Mint Julep

These mint juleps are light, alcoholic, and really simple to create. Fresh mint, bourbon, maple syrup, and ice are all you’ll need. It saves a step to use maple syrup instead of simple syrup. Make as many as you’d like in individual glasses using the amounts listed below.

INGREDIENTS

• 10 fresh mint leaves, plus a mint sprig for garnish
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup, or to taste
• 2 ounces bourbon
• Crushed ice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In the bottom of a sturdy old-fashioned or rocks glass, place the mint leaves. Muddle for about 30 seconds, or until the leaves are dark, fragrant, and broken down.
2. Combine the maple syrup and bourbon in a mixing bowl. Pour crushed ice into the glass and stir the drink for a few seconds.
3. To serve, lightly clap the mint sprig between your palms as a garnish (this releases the fragrant mint oils). Put it in your glass and serve it right away.

NOTES

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: The muddler and the vintage glasses are two of my favorites.

BOURBON RECOMMENDATION: Old Overholt or Bulleit.