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5 Mint Julep Recipes So Easy You'll Feel Derby-Ready In Minutes With No Silver Cup Required

Just the phrase "mint julep" alone inspires thoughts of socializing at a Kentucky horse track or lazing about on a front porch in warm weather. This deceivingly fancy drink is actually incredibly easy to make and requires only bourbon, sugar, and mint. With a spirit so easy to mix up, you'll have more time to spruce up your hat and find the perfect seersucker, pastel, and otherwise derby-worthy attire.

North of the Mason-Dixon Line or unable to make it to your local horse track to cheer with your fellow belles? Worry not, because Bustle has partnered with with Maker's Mark to concoct five easy recipes that require no more than five ingredients. These drinks are so easy to make that you'll be running out to grab some fresh mint, stat.

This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker's Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.

Photo: Bianca Consunji

by Anna Parsons

April 30, 2015

The Classic Mint Julep

The classic mint julep could not easier. It requires only three ingredients (not counting the ice), so this cocktail only looks fancy and complicated.

In a shaker, muddle 3 tsp. of sugar with 4-6 mint leaves. Add 1.25 parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon and a splash of water. Fill a glass with crushed ice, and pour mixture on top. Add 1-2 mint sprigs to garnish.

Tip: Crushed ice is the key for creating a refreshing julep.

This Bustle content is brought to you by Maker’s Mark. Maker’s Mark® is a registered trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. and is used with permission. Made with Care. Sip with Care™. Bourbon 45% ABV, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY.

Photo: Bianca Consunji

The Kentucky 75 Julep

For when you can’t decide what you want, this cocktail combines your favorite things about a mint julep and champagne — so you can have your bubbles and mint in the same glass!

In a shaker, muddle 2 tsp. of sugar with 6 mint leaves. Add ice, 1 tsp. lemon juice, and 1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Stir until chilled, then strain over 4 parts champagne or prosecco in your finest flute (or mug)!

Tip: This is one julep that doesn’t require ice to be delicious.

Photo: Bianca Consunji

The Berry Pink Derby Hat Mint Julep

This berry mint julep is so pink that it could compete with the gaudiest of derby hats.

In a shaker, muddle 2 tsp. of sugar with 6 mint leaves and a 1/4 cup of mixed berries. Add ice and Maker’s Mark Bourbon, then shake and strain over fresh ice. (If you’re averse to seeds, you might want to double-strain with a small mesh strainer.) Add whole berries and 1-2 mint leaves for garnish.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to add more fruit to this derby recipe to make it even more hydrating.

Photo: Bianca Consunji

The Mules Over Horses Mint Julep

This hybrid of a classic Moscow mule and a mint julep is like an electric fan in a cup due to the addition of cooling cucumber and soothing ginger.

In a shaker, muddle 2 tsp. of sugar with 6 mint leaves and a 1/4 cup of cucumbers. Add ice and 1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon, then shake and strain over 2 parts ginger beer. Add 1-2 mint leaves for garnish.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to add any fruit to the classic derby recipe to make it even more hydrating.

Photo: Bianca Consunji

The "Bless Your Heart" Julep

When all else fails, the easiest way to feel Southern is to add sweet tea to anything. Nothing screams “bless your heart” quite like iced tea mixed with lemon.

Muddle 2 tsp. of sugar with 6 mint leaves. Mix this combination with 1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon in an ice-filled shaker and pour over 3 parts iced tea. Add 1-2 mint leaves for garnish.

Tip: Don’t have a muddler? The end of a wooden spoon works just fine!

Photo: Bianca Consunji