{"id":67686,"date":"2026-04-02T23:43:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T23:43:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/mint-julep-recipe-bon-appetit\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T23:43:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T23:43:50","slug":"mint-julep-recipe-bon-appetit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/mint-julep-recipe-bon-appetit\/","title":{"rendered":"Mint Julep Recipe | Bon App\u00e9tit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<p>The mint julep is simple, refreshing, and perfect for bourbon cocktail lovers. Fresh mint and crushed ice combine with the spirit in a drink that radiates spring. This version tweaks the formula with an optional strip of lemon zest; muddled with the mint, it adds a bright balance to the often quite cloying cocktail.<\/p>\n<p>Though the mint julep is strongly associated with the Kentucky Derby\u2014it\u2019s been the event\u2019s official drink since the 1930s\u2014its roots go back further. According to\u00a0The Athletic, Black bartenders in 1820s Virginia (including Jasper Crouch, Jim Cook, and John Dabney) were renowned for their juleps using gin, brandy, or even Champagne. Today, bourbon is the dominant choice. This mint julep recipe nods to that tradition while adding a subtle citrus lift.<\/p>\n<h2>Mint Julep FAQ<\/h2>\n<div name=\"accordion\" class=\"AccordionWrapper-gvHLGA hNLEov\">\n<div class=\"AccordionItemWrapper-iLIlCF dnShlA\">\n<div class=\"AccordionContainer-gsDmFY iQqTk\">\n<div data-testid=\"accordion-item-container\" class=\"AccordionItemContainer-jFRYlp zgmT\">\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerLabel-etvqIf drgnhO\">\n<p>What bourbon is best for a mint julep?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"BaseButton-bcGmUs ButtonWrapper-dPMEWm dFZSjb dhutMS button button--utility AccordionItemContainerButton-jMXXPz cpRpLP\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;Button&quot;}\" data-testid=\"Button\" role=\"button\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"ButtonLabel-eCjeQX eTFZtz button__label\">AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemWrapper-iLIlCF dnShlA\">\n<div class=\"AccordionContainer-gsDmFY iQqTk\">\n<div data-testid=\"accordion-item-container\" class=\"AccordionItemContainer-jFRYlp zgmT\">\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerLabel-etvqIf drgnhO\">\n<p>Is lemon traditional in a mint julep?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"BaseButton-bcGmUs ButtonWrapper-dPMEWm dFZSjb dhutMS button button--utility AccordionItemContainerButton-jMXXPz cpRpLP\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;Button&quot;}\" data-testid=\"Button\" role=\"button\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"ButtonLabel-eCjeQX eTFZtz button__label\">AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerContent-fiXpuI lfFNGO opening-animation\">\n<div>\n<p>Nope\u2014that\u2019s why we made it optional. We found that a small strip of muddled lemon zest balanced the drink\u2019s signature sweetness. Each sip is livelier with a subtle spark of bright flavor and welcome bitterness. It\u2019s inspired by a bartender technique known as the \u201cregal shake,\u201d where citrus peel is used to extract aromatic oils before straining.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemWrapper-iLIlCF dnShlA\">\n<div class=\"AccordionContainer-gsDmFY iQqTk\">\n<div data-testid=\"accordion-item-container\" class=\"AccordionItemContainer-jFRYlp zgmT\">\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerLabel-etvqIf drgnhO\">\n<p>What difference does raw sugar make?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"BaseButton-bcGmUs ButtonWrapper-dPMEWm dFZSjb dhutMS button button--utility AccordionItemContainerButton-jMXXPz cpRpLP\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;Button&quot;}\" data-testid=\"Button\" role=\"button\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"ButtonLabel-eCjeQX eTFZtz button__label\">AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerContent-fiXpuI lfFNGO opening-animation\">\n<div>\n<p>Many classic julep recipes call for powdered sugar because it dissolves quickly, but the added starches can affect texture. Granulated sugar, however, works fine, delivering a clean, classic flavor. Our real preference, though, is raw sugar (such as turbinado), which adds a subtle depth that complements bourbon\u2019s caramel notes and hints of complexity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemWrapper-iLIlCF dnShlA\">\n<div class=\"AccordionContainer-gsDmFY iQqTk\">\n<div data-testid=\"accordion-item-container\" class=\"AccordionItemContainer-jFRYlp zgmT\">\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerLabel-etvqIf drgnhO\">\n<p>Do I have to use a metal cup?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"BaseButton-bcGmUs ButtonWrapper-dPMEWm dFZSjb dhutMS button button--utility AccordionItemContainerButton-jMXXPz cpRpLP\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;Button&quot;}\" data-testid=\"Button\" role=\"button\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"ButtonLabel-eCjeQX eTFZtz button__label\">AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerContent-fiXpuI lfFNGO opening-animation\">\n<div>\n<p>Classic metal julep cups are iconic for the frosted look they take on when filled with an icy drink, but they aren\u2019t essential. A footed rocks glass or even a standard old-fashioned glass works just fine.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ContentCardEmbedWrapper-hkvhYu hFjxCa content-card-embed content-card-embed--side-by-side\" data-testid=\"ContentCardEmbedWrapper\">\n<div class=\"ContentCardEmbedImage-bqahne jHXXSL content-card-embed__image\" data-testid=\"ContentCardEmbedImage\"><span class=\"SpanWrapper-kFnjvc eKnjjD responsive-asset\"><picture class=\"ResponsiveImagePicture-jKunQM gjCCFj responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Image may contain: Glass, Alcohol, Beverage, Cocktail, and Martini\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ResponsiveImageContainer-dkeESL cQPiWi responsive-image__image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/6682cff3f6700f08221b25e9\/master\/w_120,c_limit\/6.25_BA_The-Best-Type-of-Glass-for-Every-Cocktail.jpg 120w, https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/6682cff3f6700f08221b25e9\/master\/w_240,c_limit\/6.25_BA_The-Best-Type-of-Glass-for-Every-Cocktail.jpg 240w, https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/6682cff3f6700f08221b25e9\/master\/w_320,c_limit\/6.25_BA_The-Best-Type-of-Glass-for-Every-Cocktail.jpg 320w, https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/6682cff3f6700f08221b25e9\/master\/w_640,c_limit\/6.25_BA_The-Best-Type-of-Glass-for-Every-Cocktail.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"100vw\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/6682cff3f6700f08221b25e9\/master\/w_775%2Cc_limit\/6.25_BA_The-Best-Type-of-Glass-for-Every-Cocktail.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"ContentCardEmbedInfo-buyHWH gWLOee\">\n<div class=\"BaseText-fEwdHD ContentCardEmbedHed-kDKGDs bGtVff dsoNQO content-card-embed__hed\" data-testid=\"ContentCardEmbedHed\">The Ultimate Cocktail Glass Buying Guide<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemWrapper-iLIlCF dnShlA\">\n<div class=\"AccordionContainer-gsDmFY iQqTk\">\n<div data-testid=\"accordion-item-container\" class=\"AccordionItemContainer-jFRYlp zgmT\">\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerLabel-etvqIf drgnhO\">\n<p>How long should a mint julep steep?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"BaseButton-bcGmUs ButtonWrapper-dPMEWm dFZSjb dhutMS button button--utility AccordionItemContainerButton-jMXXPz cpRpLP\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;Button&quot;}\" data-testid=\"Button\" role=\"button\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"ButtonLabel-eCjeQX eTFZtz button__label\">AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerContent-fiXpuI lfFNGO opening-animation\">\n<div>\n<p>Steeping is optional, but letting the bourbon mingle with mint (and lemon zest, if using) for 15\u201360 minutes intensifies flavor. Short on time? Just muddle and serve\u2014it will still be delicious. Don\u2019t skip the final mint sprig\u2014it lets you take in the aroma before each sip.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemWrapper-iLIlCF dnShlA\">\n<div class=\"AccordionContainer-gsDmFY iQqTk\">\n<div data-testid=\"accordion-item-container\" class=\"AccordionItemContainer-jFRYlp zgmT\">\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerLabel-etvqIf drgnhO\">\n<p>Can I make a batch of mint juleps ahead of time?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"BaseButton-bcGmUs ButtonWrapper-dPMEWm dFZSjb dhutMS button button--utility AccordionItemContainerButton-jMXXPz cpRpLP\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;Button&quot;}\" data-testid=\"Button\" role=\"button\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"ButtonLabel-eCjeQX eTFZtz button__label\">AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"AccordionItemContainerContent-fiXpuI lfFNGO opening-animation\">\n<div>\n<p>Yes, you can prep the bourbon and mint mixture up to 2 hours in advance. For 8 servings, muddle <strong>the zest of one whole lemon (peeled in wide strips)<\/strong>, <strong>2 cups (packed) mint leaves<\/strong>, <strong>5 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. raw or granulated sugar<\/strong> in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker until mint is lightly bruised. Add <strong>\u00bd cup water<\/strong> and <strong>2 cups bourbon<\/strong>, then stir to combine.<\/p>\n<p>Chill the mixture for at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour, then strain into a pitcher. (The strained mint julep can be chilled up to 1 hour more.) To serve, fill 8 julep cups or rocks glasses with crushed ice. Divide cocktail among glasses and stir each until outside of cup is very cold (if using metal, it should frost over), about 20 seconds. Top each with <strong>a mint sprig<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The mint julep is simple, refreshing, and perfect for bourbon cocktail lovers. Fresh mint and crushed ice combine with the spirit in a drink that radiates spring. This version tweaks the formula with an optional strip of lemon zest; muddled with the mint, it adds a bright balance to the often quite cloying cocktail. Though [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":67687,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_daextam_enable_autolinks":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5],"tags":[6317,4053,6318,774,584,1853,2332,5860,1200],"class_list":["post-67686","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food","tag-bourbon","tag-cocktail","tag-cold-drink","tag-drinks","tag-easy","tag-entertaining","tag-kentucky","tag-mint","tag-quick"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mint-julep-RECIPE_V1_033126_3689_VOG_final.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67686","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67686"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67686\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67686"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67686"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67686"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}