# Mint Julep

> Mint Julep, the IBA official recipe: 60 ml bourbon, 4 mint sprigs, 1 tsp sugar and 2 tsp water. Built in the glass and served in a julep cup over crushed ice, garnished with a mint sprig.

Bourbon, sugar and mint under a mound of crushed ice in a frosted metal cup. The Kentucky Derby drink.

- IBA category: [IBA: Contemporary Classics](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/contemporary-classics/index.md)
- Main spirit: [Whiskey cocktails](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/whiskey-cocktails/index.md)
- Method: Built (built straight in the glass)
- Glass: Julep cup
- Served: Over crushed ice
- Strength: about 27% ABV once diluted by ice, about 1.5 standard drinks (14 g of alcohol each)
- Volume: 74 ml (2½ oz) before ice, about 100 ml in the glass
- Taste: Herbal, Spirit-forward

## Ingredients

Amounts are for one drink. Ounces use 30 ml to the ounce.

- 60 ml (2 oz) [Bourbon](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/ingredients/bourbon/index.md)
- 4 [Mint sprigs](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/ingredients/mint/index.md)
- 1 tsp [Sugar](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/ingredients/simple-syrup/index.md) (or 7.5 ml (¼ oz) simple syrup)
- 2 tsp Water

## Method

1. In Julep Stainless Steel Cup gently muddle the mint with sugar and water.
2. Fill the glass with cracked ice, add the Bourbon and stir well until the cup frosts.

## Garnish

A mint sprig.

## One ingredient away

Drinks on the list that differ from the Mint Julep by a single ingredient.

- [Old Fashioned](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/old-fashioned/index.md): Angostura bitters instead of mint
- [Whiskey Sour](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/whiskey-sour/index.md): lemon juice instead of mint

## If you like the Mint Julep

- [New York Sour](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/new-york-sour/index.md): Bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, egg and red wine
- [South Side](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/south-side/index.md): Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and mint
- [Mojito](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/mojito/index.md): White rum, lime juice, mint, simple syrup and soda water
- [Old Cuban](https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/old-cuban/index.md): Mint, aged rum, lime juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters and sparkling wine

## Source

- Recipe as specified by the International Bartenders Association: https://iba-world.com/iba-cocktail/mint-julep/
- IBA video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9p3sedBLYk
- Strength is an estimate that allows for dilution from ice; brands vary.

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- Canonical page: https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/cocktails/mint-julep/
- Language: en
- Recipe data: International Bartenders Association specifications on iba-world.com, checked 22 October 2026
- Maintained by Jigger, an independent index not affiliated with or endorsed by the IBA. All pages: https://jigger-5rd.pages.dev/sitemap.md