Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic13.1% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 4 ingredients, stirred drink, requires rimmed glass, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: BBQ, Chocolate, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseSweetenerMixerHerb / spice
- 5 or 6Springs MintHerb / spice
- 1.0 ozPowdered SugarSweetener
- 2.0 ozWaterMixer
- 2.0 ozBourbonBase
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirTop
- In silver mug or collins glass, dissolve powdered sugar with water.
- Fill with finely shaved ice and add bourbon.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
- Stir until glass is heavily frosted, adding more ice if necessary. (Do not hold glass with hand while stirring.) Decorate with sprigs of fresh mint so that the tops are about two inches above the rim of glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Use short straws so that it will be necessary to bury nose in mint, which is intended for scent rather than taste.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.HerbsMint is cool and fresh. Basil is a workable swap in spirit-forward or citrus drinks — it is peppery and sweeter, so use slightly less. Rosemary works in shorter, more spirit-led drinks but it is much more resinous. Always bruise rather than shred to avoid releasing bitter compounds.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Mint Julep (Southern Style)?
- The Mint Julep (Southern Style) is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 13.1%. A standard serving contains approximately 212 calories.
- What does a Mint Julep (Southern Style) taste like?
- Mint Julep (Southern Style) has a flavour profile featuring Sugar, Sweet, Caramel, Oak. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Mint Julep (Southern Style)?
- Mint Julep (Southern Style) pairs well with BBQ, Chocolate, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Mint Julep (Southern Style)?
- The Mint Julep (Southern Style) has an ABV of approximately 13.1%. That's approximately 1.50 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 212 calories, 16.6g sugar, 16.6g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Mint Julep (Southern Style) typically served?
- Mint Julep (Southern Style) is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Mint Julep (Southern Style)?
- If you enjoy Mint Julep (Southern Style), look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Mint Julep (Southern Style) at home?
- Yes. The Mint Julep (Southern Style) uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Collins Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Mint Julep (Southern Style) with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.