mint julep

American  

noun

1. an alcoholic drink traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, and finely cracked ice and garnished with sprigs of mint, served in a tall, frosted glass: also made with other kinds of whiskey, brandy, and sometimes rum.

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mint julep British  

noun

1. a long drink consisting of bourbon whiskey, crushed ice, sugar, and sprigs of mint

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Etymology

Origin of mint julep

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

That evening I attempted the arguably more difficult task of drinking a mint julep while lying on the floor, feet elevated so as not to disturb the blisters.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

A mint julep that sold for $4.99 in 2020 now costs $5.49.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2022

This makes sense, as a mint julep is typically made by combining bourbon, mint and a simple sugar syrup over ice.

From Salon • May 7, 2022

Second place receives an official 1983 Kentucky Derby souvenir mint julep glass, donated by Loser Steve Smith.

From Washington Post • Sep. 3, 2020

The notion originated with Daisy's suggestion that we hire five bathrooms and take cold baths, and then assumed more tangible form as "a place to have a mint julep."

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald