# Mint Julep Cocktail Recipes to Celebrate The Kentucky Derby! *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated May 2015* With the Kentucky Derby almost upon us, it's time to break out our julep cups, crush some ice and mix up some awesome cocktails so we forget how silly those women look wearing their derby hats! ## ## Basil Hayden’s® High Stakes Julep ***Created by Marie Zahn (Louisville, KY)*** ### Ingredients: - 2 parts Basil Hayden's ® Bourbon - 1 bar spoon Apricot Jelly or Preserves - 10 Mint Leaves ### Method: 1. Add 8 mint leaves to a glass and lightly press with the back of a bar spoon. 2. Add Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, apricot jelly and crushed ice into the glass. 3. Swizzle briefly and add more crushed ice until it is mounding over the top of the glass. 4. Add a straw and garnish with additional sprigs of mint. ## ## Knob Creek® Mint Julep ### Ingredients: - 1½ parts Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon - 2 bunches mint - 1 part simple syrup* (see below) - 1 splash soda  ### Method: 1. Mix sprigs of mint with simple syrup and splash of soda. 2. Fill julep cup with fine crushed ice and pour in bourbon. 3. Lift out and decorate with two mint leaves. 4. Add powdered sugar over mint to add an optional frosted appearance. *Simple Syrup Recipe 1. Combine equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan. 2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sugar is fully dissolved. 3. Allow to cool before using in cocktail. ## Windy City Julep *Recipe by Renowned Chicago Bartender, Adam Seger* ### Ingredients: - 1.33 oz. Bulleit Bourbon - 6 oz. chilled Chicago Green River Pre-Prohibition Soda - Generous bouquet of slapped fresh mint ### Preparation: Fill a julep cup with ice cubes to chill. Fill a clean towel with ice and smash the crap out of it to crush the ice. Discard the ice cubes from the cup and fill with the crushed ice. Fill cup 3/4 full with Chilled Chicago Green River Pre-Prohibition Soda. Top with Bulleit Bourbon and a generous bouquet of slapped mint. The carbonation will naturally rise since the bourbon is heavier and the drink will naturally mix. Cut your straw short so you smell the mint. (Optionally add a splash of maple syrup if you prefer your julep sweeter.) Are You Ready For A Bourbon Trail Guys Trip? MANTRIPPING [Best Distillery Experiences for Bachelor Parties & Guys Trips](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fbest-distillery-tours-and-experiences.html&id=672&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fbest-distillery-tours-and-experiences.html&id=672&type=blog&site=mantripping) MANTRIPPING [Guys Trip Ideas In Kentucky](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Funited-states%2Fkentucky.html&id=674&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Funited-states%2Fkentucky.html&id=674&type=blog&site=mantripping) VIATOR [The Bourbon Bites Tour. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experience](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.viator.com%2Ftours%2FLouisville%2FBourtur-bite%2Fd25791-5499630P1%3Fmcid%3D42383%26pid%3DP00094471%26medium%3Dapi&id=671&type=excursion&site=mantripping) [Check Price on Viator →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.viator.com%2Ftours%2FLouisville%2FBourtur-bite%2Fd25791-5499630P1%3Fmcid%3D42383%26pid%3DP00094471%26medium%3Dapi&id=671&type=excursion&site=mantripping) VIATOR [Craft Bourbon Trail: Kentucky’s Hidden Distilleries Experience](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.viator.com%2Ftours%2FLouisville%2FThe-Bourbon-Bites-Tour-Buffalo-Trace-Chocolate-and-Churchil-Downs%2Fd25791-5499630P6%3Fmcid%3D42383%26pid%3DP00094471%26medium%3Dapi&id=665&type=excursion&site=mantripping) [Check Price on Viator →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.viator.com%2Ftours%2FLouisville%2FThe-Bourbon-Bites-Tour-Buffalo-Trace-Chocolate-and-Churchil-Downs%2Fd25791-5499630P6%3Fmcid%3D42383%26pid%3DP00094471%26medium%3Dapi&id=665&type=excursion&site=mantripping) We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. ## The Queen's Julep *Recipe by Punch Room Head Mixologist Bob Peters* ### Ingredients: - 1.33 oz. Bulleit Bourbon - 0.5 oz. simple syrup - 0.5 oz. Fernet Branca Menta - 8 fresh mint leaves, muddled Muddle mint leaves in a shaker. Pour Bulleit Bourbon, simple syrup and Fernet Branca Menta into shaker with ice and shake. Double strain and pour over crushed ice in a julep cup. Garnish with fresh mint sprig. ## Modern Mint Julep *Recipe adapted by King Cocktail Dale DeGroff* ### Ingredients:   - 1.33 oz. Bulleit Bourbon - 0.75 oz. simple syrup or 1 tsp. sugar - 4 fresh mint leaves and a sprig of mint (use tender, young sprigs which last longer and look better) ### Preparation: Prepare some very cold, very dry powdered ice by crushing chunks of ice inside a canvas ice bag. Bruise the mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup with simple syrup or sugar. Add ice to the three quarter mark and add half of the bourbon. Stir to chill the julep cup. Top off with more powdered ice and the remaining bourbon. Continue to stir until the outside of the cup begins to freeze. Garnish with the mint sprig and set aside to rest while the julep cup freezes over on the outside. Pick up carefully to imbibe. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 01 May 2015 Last Updated: 02 May 2015 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Cruises Are Expensive, Here's How to Finance Your Guys Trip Without Sinking Your Wallet Jun 20, 2026 [Cruises Are Expensive, Here's How to Finance Your Guys Trip Without Sinking Your Wallet](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/financing-guys-cruise-vacation-guide.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### reMarkable Paper Pure Review: The First Stylus That Actually Feels Like Paper To Me Jul 13, 2026 [reMarkable Paper Pure Review: The First Stylus That Actually Feels Like Paper To Me](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/remarkable-paper-pure-review.html) #### I Doubted Electric Grilling Until The Kenyon City Grill Proved Me Wrong Jul 02, 2026 [I Doubted Electric Grilling Until The Kenyon City Grill Proved Me Wrong](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/kenyon-city-grill-review.html) #### Gorilla GCG-1200 Steel Utility Cart Is The Lawn and Garden Hauler That Saved My Back Jul 02, 2026 [Gorilla GCG-1200 Steel Utility Cart Is The Lawn and Garden Hauler That Saved My Back](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/gorilla-gcg-1200-utility-cart-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Panama City Beach Guys Weekend Ideas Jan 07, 2020 [Panama City Beach Guys Weekend Ideas](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/panama-city-beach-guys-weekend-ideas.html) #### Planning an Ottawa Craft Distillery and Chocolate Pairing Tour In Canada's Capital City Oct 29, 2025 [Planning an Ottawa Craft Distillery and Chocolate Pairing Tour In Canada's Capital City](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/planning-an-ottawa-craft-distillery-and-chocolate-pairing-tour-in-canadas-capital-city.html) #### How To Pick the Perfect Golf Resort For Your Guys Getaway Jul 03, 2025 [How To Pick the Perfect Golf Resort For Your Guys Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/how-to-pick-the-perfect-golf-resort.html) ### Related Articles #### The Bourbon Cocktail I'd Build for the 4th of July: Knob Creek's BBQ Old Fashioned [The Bourbon Cocktail I'd Build for the 4th of July: Knob Creek's BBQ Old Fashioned](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/knob-creek-bbq-old-fashioned.html) #### Natural Bug-Repellent Herbs for Your Backyard: 4 I Planted and 5 Others To Also Consider [Natural Bug-Repellent Herbs for Your Backyard: 4 I Planted and 5 Others To Also Consider](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/natural-bug-repellent-herbs-backyard.html) #### Bear Fight Whiskey Flips the Script by Finishing Bourbon in Tequila Barrels [Bear Fight Whiskey Flips the Script by Finishing Bourbon in Tequila Barrels](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/bear-fight-whiskey-finishes-bourbon-in-tequila-barrels-and-it-works.html) #### Cocktails for Cinco De Mayo: 18 Drinks That Celebrate the Spirit of Mexican Culture [Cocktails for Cinco De Mayo: 18 Drinks That Celebrate the Spirit of Mexican Culture](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/cocktails-for-cinco-de-mayo-beyond-classic-margaritas.html) #### Blue Run Blueprint Series Is a 105 Proof Bourbon Blended From Two Mashbills [Blue Run Blueprint Series Is a 105 Proof Bourbon Blended From Two Mashbills](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/blue-run-blueprint-series-bourbon.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. She helps travelers plan cruise vacations tailored to their specific needs — whether it's choosing the right ship, coordinating a group, or finding the best itinerary for your budget and interests. **Get in touch:** - [Request a personalized quote](https://mantripping.com/book-with-heather?ref=agent) - Email: heather@flowmediamarketing.com --- **About mantripping.com:** Men's travel, lifestyle, and adventure since 2010. Honest reviews from 20+ years of travel experience. *Source: [Mint Julep Cocktail Recipes to Celebrate The Kentucky Derby!](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/awesome-cocktails-to-celebrate-the-kentucky-derby.html) — mantripping.com* **Related content you may find useful:** - [Travel guides and destination reviews](https://mantripping.com/travel/) - [Men's lifestyle and gear reviews](https://mantripping.com/mens-lifestyle/)