Honey Mint Julep Recipe

The Honey Mint Julep is a three-ingredient cocktail made with bourbon, fresh mint, and honey syrup. A slight riff on the Mint Julep, a drink known best for being the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, this lightly sweet version uses honey syrup rather than plain sugar. 

The Mint Julep first appeared in cocktail books in the early 19th century and has become wildly popular since then. Mint Juleps are traditionally built in a silver julep cup with muddled mint leaves, simple syrup, and bourbon, before being packed with crushed ice. 

Why the Honey Mint Julep works

The Honey Mint Julep riffs on the classic by swapping honey syrup (made from a 1:1 ratio of honey and hot water) for simple syrup. Just like a regular Mint Julep, mint is muddled with the honey syrup, bourbon is added, and then the drink is topped with crushed ice. As the ice melts and the drink dilutes, the flavors soften and the cocktail lengthens. 

There are honey notes present in bourbon, as well as vanilla and a toasted quality. Unlike simple syrup, which has a relatively, well, simple flavor profile, honey syrup adds depth and complexity to this easy cocktail. 

To help keep your delicate mint leaves intact while still expressing their oils and aroma, reach for a muddler with a smooth bottom or use the bottom of a wooden spoon to gently press the leaves in the glass.