The18 presents our at home Traditional Mint Julep recipe commonly drank at The Kentucky Derby. Inspired by NWSL team Racing Louisville FC, we put our bartender skills to the test to see how this fruit-forward Julep recipe stacked up against the Traditional Mint Julep.
Traditional Mint Julep Recipe:
- 2 oz. Kentucky bourbon (Woodford Reserve to mimic Kentucky Derby style)
- .5 oz. simple syrup
- 4 mint leaves
- crushed ice
Instructions:
- add simple syrup and mint to Julep cup
- muddle gently, use care to not break up mint leaves
- add bourbon
- fill cup halfway with crushed ice, stir until frosted
- add rest of crushed ice into snowcone shape
- add mint sprig for garnish
Orange Mint Julep Recipe:
- 2 oz. Kentucky bourbon (Woodford Reserve to mimic Kentucky Derby style)
- .5 oz. homemade orange simple syrup
- splash of orange juice
- 4 mint leaves
- crushed ice
To make orange simple syrup:
- 1 cup turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange, sliced vertically
- Boil and dissolve sugar in the water and stir consistently
- Reduce heat to low simmer and add orange slices
- Let oranges soak in syrup for aprox. 20 minutes, or to taste
Instructions:
- add simple syrup, orange juice, and mint to Julep cup
- muddle gently, use care to not break up mint leaves
- add bourbon
- fill cup halfway with crushed ice, stir until frosted
- add rest of crushed ice into snowcone shape
- add mint sprig and orange twist for garnish