Ingredients:

  • 10-12 fresh mint leaves (Spearmint preferred, plus a sprig for garnish)
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup (15 ml) (or 2 sugar cubes, ideally raw cane sugar)
  • 2.5 oz bourbon (75 ml) (Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the traditional choice)
  • Crushed ice

Instructions:

  1. Gently place the mint leaves and simple syrup (or sugar cubes) into the julep cup. Muddle lightly to release the mint's oils, about 5-6 turns. Avoid over-muddling, which can make the mint bitter.
  2. Pour the bourbon over the muddled mint.
  3. Fill the cup with crushed ice. Ideally, use a Lewis bag to properly crush the ice.
  4. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine. Pack the cup with more crushed ice, forming a cone shape above the rim.
  5. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig. Slap the mint sprig against your hand a few times to release its aroma before placing it in the drink. Serve immediately with a short straw.