The Brother Justus Mint Julep

Once associated with medicinal elixirs, the Mint Julep is now an iconic race day beverage, thanks to its title as the official Kentucky Derby drink (since 1939). The bartenders at Churchill Downs sling approximately 120,000 of these cocktails during the two-day derby festivities, but you can rest easy knowing we’ve pared down our recipe so you can make as few – or many – as you wish. Cheers to Derby Day!

Mint Julep

First comes the mint syrup! You’ll need a kitchen scale and a paper filter (a coffee filter will do just fine).

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups water

• 2 ¾ cups granulated white sugar

• ⅔ cup dark brown sugar

• 1 tsp pink salt

• 3 tsp dried peppermint

• ¾ tsp dried spearmint

• One bunch fresh spearmint

To Make the Mint Syrup:

Step 1. In a large pot or saucepan, combine 2 ½ cups water, 2 ¾ cups granulated white sugar, ⅔ cups dark brown sugar, and one teaspoon pink salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until fully mixed, then reduce the temperature to simmer.

Step 2. Stir in 3 teaspoons of dried peppermint and ¾ teaspoon of dried spearmint and simmer for approximately 4 minutes.

Step 3. Strain the mixture into a bowl, removing the dried mint, then add a handful of fresh spearmint (about a cup). Cover with a tight seal and steep for 30 minutes.

Step 4. Use a paper filter to strain the syrup into a refrigerator-safe container and cool before use. The syrup should last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks!

To Make the Mint Julep:

You don’t have to have a fancy Julep cup to enjoy this drink! Any rocks or Collins glass will do just fine!

Step 1. This drink is best built right into the glass! Combine ½ ounce mint syrup with 2 ounces of Brother Justus American Single Malt Whiskey, then add ice and stir (shaved or crushed ice optional!).   

Step 2. Garnish with a generous mint sprig, sip, and enjoy!

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