# Mint Julep Cocktail Recipes to Celebrate The Kentucky Derby! *By James Hills — Updated May 2015* With the Kentucky Derby almost upon us, it's time to break out our julep cups, crush some ice and mix up some awesome cocktails so we forget how silly those women look wearing their derby hats! ## ## Basil Hayden’s® High Stakes Julep ***Created by Marie Zahn (Louisville, KY)*** ### Ingredients: - 2 parts Basil Hayden's ® Bourbon - 1 bar spoon Apricot Jelly or Preserves - 10 Mint Leaves ### Method: 1. Add 8 mint leaves to a glass and lightly press with the back of a bar spoon. 2. Add Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, apricot jelly and crushed ice into the glass. 3. Swizzle briefly and add more crushed ice until it is mounding over the top of the glass. 4. Add a straw and garnish with additional sprigs of mint. ## ## Knob Creek® Mint Julep ### Ingredients: - 1½ parts Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon - 2 bunches mint - 1 part simple syrup* (see below) - 1 splash soda  ### Method: 1. Mix sprigs of mint with simple syrup and splash of soda. 2. Fill julep cup with fine crushed ice and pour in bourbon. 3. Lift out and decorate with two mint leaves. 4. Add powdered sugar over mint to add an optional frosted appearance. *Simple Syrup Recipe 1. Combine equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan. 2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sugar is fully dissolved. 3. Allow to cool before using in cocktail. ### 14 Reasons Kentucky Bourbon Country Should Be Your Next Guys Weekend Kentucky bourbon country goes beyond the tasting room. 14 guys trip ideas from Whiskey Row crawls and barrel picks to Derby weekend and Lake Cumberland houseboats. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/0XVDUpNnKOjf5QBokq79eQ.673) ### The Bourbon Bites Tour. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experience Visit three hand-picked Kentucky distilleries with expert local guides on a relaxed small-group Bourbon Trail day tour, ideal for bourbon lovers. 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Viator (affiliate) $564.00[See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/0XVDUpNnKOjf5QBokq79eQ.660) Promoted by FlowAds ## Windy City Julep *Recipe by Renowned Chicago Bartender, Adam Seger* ### Ingredients: - 1.33 oz. Bulleit Bourbon - 6 oz. chilled Chicago Green River Pre-Prohibition Soda - Generous bouquet of slapped fresh mint ### Preparation: Fill a julep cup with ice cubes to chill. Fill a clean towel with ice and smash the crap out of it to crush the ice. Discard the ice cubes from the cup and fill with the crushed ice. Fill cup 3/4 full with Chilled Chicago Green River Pre-Prohibition Soda. Top with Bulleit Bourbon and a generous bouquet of slapped mint. The carbonation will naturally rise since the bourbon is heavier and the drink will naturally mix. Cut your straw short so you smell the mint. (Optionally add a splash of maple syrup if you prefer your julep sweeter.) ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/zQRkcNzSuwNgcQ8I1nw8eA.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/zQRkcNzSuwNgcQ8I1nw8eA.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/zQRkcNzSuwNgcQ8I1nw8eA.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/zQRkcNzSuwNgcQ8I1nw8eA.2396) Promoted by FlowAds ## The Queen's Julep *Recipe by Punch Room Head Mixologist Bob Peters* ### Ingredients: - 1.33 oz. Bulleit Bourbon - 0.5 oz. simple syrup - 0.5 oz. Fernet Branca Menta - 8 fresh mint leaves, muddled Muddle mint leaves in a shaker. Pour Bulleit Bourbon, simple syrup and Fernet Branca Menta into shaker with ice and shake. Double strain and pour over crushed ice in a julep cup. Garnish with fresh mint sprig. ## Modern Mint Julep *Recipe adapted by King Cocktail Dale DeGroff* ### Ingredients:   - 1.33 oz. Bulleit Bourbon - 0.75 oz. simple syrup or 1 tsp. sugar - 4 fresh mint leaves and a sprig of mint (use tender, young sprigs which last longer and look better) ### Preparation: Prepare some very cold, very dry powdered ice by crushing chunks of ice inside a canvas ice bag. Bruise the mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup with simple syrup or sugar. Add ice to the three quarter mark and add half of the bourbon. Stir to chill the julep cup. Top off with more powdered ice and the remaining bourbon. Continue to stir until the outside of the cup begins to freeze. Garnish with the mint sprig and set aside to rest while the julep cup freezes over on the outside. Pick up carefully to imbibe. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 01 May 2015 Last Updated: 02 May 2015 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? 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