Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is an IBA Contemporary Classic: 4 ingredients, stirred in a mixing glass and served in a metal mug. That makes 99 ml in the glass: a small glass.
MethodStirred in a mixing glass
GlassMetal mug
In the glass99 ml
Strength27.3%
Ingredients
- 60 mlbourbon whiskey
- 6 mlmint
- 5 mlsugar
- 10 mlwater
Method
- In Julep Stainless Steel Cup gently muddle the mint with sugar and water.
- Fill the glass with cracked ice, add the Bourbon and stir well until the cup frosts.
Garnish: Garnish with a mint sprig.
What it tastes like
- bitter → sweet
- It sits between bitter and sweet: 0.7 out of 10 of bitterness, 117th of 186 for sweetness.
- round → sour
- No citrus to wake it up: it arrives round, the 3rd least sour of 186.
- light → strong
- In the finished glass, melted ice included, it runs 27.3%: 17th of 186, stronger than 91% of the catalogue.
Its closest neighbour is the Black Russian: 97 out of 100 for similarity.
Five that come close
- Black RussianBuilt on vodka and with vodka in place of bourbon whiskey.
- Old Fashioned7 degrees stronger and with Angostura Bitters in place of mint.
- Rusty Nail7 degrees stronger and with scotch whisky in place of bourbon whiskey.
- Angel FaceSweeter and built on gin.
- GodfatherMore bitter and 5 degrees stronger.
Every drink near the Mint Julep on the map
Recipe source: IBA · checked on 30 October 2026