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    Recipes » Special Diet » Dairy Free

    My Dad's amazing mint juleps

    Published: May 3, 2012 · Updated: Apr 27, 2018 · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    My dad's amazing mint julep recipe is perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby or just a great way to enjoy some good whiskey

    Disclosure: I might make a commission for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you.

    My dad's amazing mint julep recipe is perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby or just a great way to enjoy some good whiskey

    This is quite a busy weekend: there's Jazz Fest, Cinco de Mayo, and the Kentucky Derby! So many things to celebrate & do, yay!

    Since I've already posted two Mexican recipes this week, I thought I'd share something to help you celebrate the Kentucky Derby if you're so inclined.

    Lucky for me, my dad is a pretty good cook.

    His soups are the greatest comfort food I know.

    His fried chicken is to die for {and people... I do not 'die for' fried chicken. It's just not my thing, but my dad's fried chicken... well, it's indescribably good - the perfect fried chicken}, and he makes the best mint juleps.

    And whenever I think of the Kentucky Derby I think of mint juleps. In my brain the two are synonymous.

    So when I thought about a Kentucky Derby recipe I'd want to share, I immediately thought of a mint julep.

    So I called the master mint julep maker -- my dad, of course -- and had him tell me how to make one and send me an email with detailed instructions.

    [clickToTweet tweet="My dad's amazing mint julep recipe is perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby or just a great way to enjoy some good whiskey" quote="My dad's amazing mint julep recipe is perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby or just a great way to enjoy some good whiskey"]

    I think the reason his mint juleps are so delicious is because of his attention to detail.

    Each drink deserves special care so you get the full mint julep experience. (my dad did not say any of this but I've spent years watching him make them the Friday before the Kentucky Derby and he painstakingly treats every drink like it is going to be judged in a contest.)

    So if you know what's good for you {because I do}, you will make some mint juleps for Saturday, even if you're not watching the race. And more importantly, you will follow the specific instructions (see below)...

    Disclaimer: These are for my 21+ readers, and be careful because they are strong! 

    As with all drinks, try not to go overboard.

    Mint Juleps

    My dad's amazing mint julep recipe is perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby or just a great way to enjoy some good whiskey
    No ratings yet
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Freezing time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Author: Meme

    Ingredients

    • 2-3 mint leaves + more for garnish, washed
    • 3 teaspoons sugar divided
    • 3 ounces Kentucky bourbon whiskey about 9 TBSP
    • Crushed ice

    Instructions

    • In a julep cup or a regular glass, muddle the mint and 2 teaspoons of sugar together. Use the spoon to crush the mint into the sugar to make a syrup. Add a drop or so of water if needed to make the mint syrup.
    • Stir in 1 1/2 ounces bourbon (about 5 TBSP).
    • Pack the cup with crushed ice.
    • Top with another 1 1/2 ounces (about 4 TBSP).
    • Sprinkle the other teaspoon of sugar over the ice, and stick in the freezer.
    • Allow to freeze for at least 30 minutes - 1 hour. Garnish with a few mint leaves or a sprig of mint.
    • Enjoy {slowly}!
    Did you try this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment & recipe rating below. Bonus points for tagging @memeinge & #livingwellkitchen on Instagram! THANK YOU! xo

    ***Now here's the important part - my dad's expert mint julep making tips:***

    1. Do not use bad/cheap whiskey!
    2. Use a glass or a silver cup. Never use a plastic, paper, or Styrofoam cup.
    3. You must use crushed ice... Put it in a bag and beat it until it's crushed. Stick in a food processor. Just make sure it's crushed.
    4. Drink your mint julep slowly! Even though it tastes so good and you're going to want to chug it - don't! This is a drink to sip and savor.
    5. By slowly drinking the mint julep, you give the ice time to melt to make your drink last longer.
    6. If you're feeling brave, you can always re-stir the mint and leftover crushed ice with some more bourbon...
    7. You can keep these in the freezer for up to 1 week {but good luck with that - these go fast!}

    [showhide type="post" more_text="Click here for Nutrition Facts" less_text="Clear Nutrition Facts"]
    *

    Nutrition Facts
    Mint Juleps
    Serving Size
     
    1 drink
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    245
    % Daily Value*
    Sodium
     
    1
    mg
    0
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    12
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    11
    g
    12
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    125
    IU
    3
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    *
    [/showhide]

    What to use in this recipe:

     

    Meme

    This recipe was shared on a Slice of Southern Blog

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    Meme (a brunette female) is holding umbrella and spinning around in front of the Eiffel Tower wearing a denim jacket, skirt, and blue shoesHi, I'm Meme -- a thirty-something girl from Alabama living in San Diego! Join me as I prove that living a guilt-free, healthy lifestyle can be budget friendly, delicious & fun!
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