Mint Julep Pitcher Recipe

If you are hosting a Kentucky Derby party this year, you need this mint julep pitcher recipe in your life. This big batch mint julep recipe lets you mix everything ahead of time, stick it in the fridge, and actually enjoy the race with your guests. That is a win.

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You’ll love this mint julep pitcher

It is the ultimate Derby party hack. Instead of shaking individual cocktails all afternoon, you mix the whole batch in advance and pour it over ice to order. No stress, no mess, no missing the race because you are stuck muddying mint in the kitchen. Your guests will think you are a cocktail genius, and only you will know how easy it actually was.

It is easy to make. Seriously, three ingredients plus ice. If you can stir a pitcher, you can make this recipe. There is no fancy technique required, no special equipment beyond a large pitcher and a wooden spoon, and no complicated ratios to memorize. You've got this.

It is perfect for Derby parties. The mint julep is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby — it has been served at Churchill Downs for over a century. Serving it in a big-batch mint julep pitcher is not only practical, but also a fun, festive centerpiece for your watch party spread. Set it out alongside your Kentucky Derby appetizers and let guests pour their own. So good!

Ingredients

Bourbon. This is the star of the show, so use one you actually enjoy drinking. You do not need to splurge on the most expensive bottle on the shelf… a mid-range bourbon like Maker's Mark, Bulleit, or Buffalo Trace works beautifully in a mint julep pitcher. The mint and simple syrup are not there to mask a bad bourbon; they are there to complement a good one, so keep that in mind!

Simple Syrup. Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated together until the sugar dissolves. You can absolutely buy it at the store (and there is zero shame in that… I do it all the time), or you can make your own by combining 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge for up to a month.

Mint Leaves. Please do not skip the fresh mint. It is what makes a mint julep a mint julep. Grab a big bunch; you will need some for the pitcher and more for garnishing.

How to make a big batch of mint juleps

This recipe makes about 8 to 10 servings, which is perfect for a Derby watch party. Scale up as needed!

1. Make your simple syrup (if making from scratch). Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until ready to use. For a mint simple syrup, add a generous handful of fresh mint sprigs to the saucepan while it cooks, then strain before storing.
2. Gently muddle the mint. Add about 20 to 25 fresh mint leaves to the bottom of your pitcher. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, press the mint gently; you just want to release the oils, not shred the leaves. Over-muddling will make the mint taste bitter, so go easy here. Less is more!
3. Add the bourbon and simple syrup. Pour 3 cups of bourbon over the muddled mint, then add ¾ cup of simple syrup. Give everything a good stir to combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed… some people like their mint julep pitcher a little sweeter, some prefer it more spirit-forward. You do you!
4. Chill until ready to serve. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. The mint will continue to infuse as it sits, giving the whole batch even more flavor. If you are making this more than 2 hours ahead, strain out the mint leaves before refrigerating so the flavor does not get too intense.
5. Serve over crushed ice. This is important! Mint juleps are traditionally served over crushed ice, not cubed. Crushed ice chills the drink faster, dilutes it just the right amount, and gives you that gorgeous frosty exterior on the glass. Fill your cups with crushed ice, pour the mint julep mixture over the top, and garnish generously. Enjoy!

Substitutions and variations

Swap the bourbon for rye whiskey. If you love whiskey but prefer something with a little more spice and less sweetness, rye whiskey is a fantastic substitute in a mint julep pitcher. It gives the cocktail a slightly drier, more peppery finish that a lot of whiskey lovers actually prefer over the traditional bourbon version. Rittenhouse Rye or Bulleit Rye both work great here.

Make it a mint julep mocktail. Leave out the bourbon entirely and replace it with equal parts strong-brewed, cooled green tea and club soda. You get a beautiful, minty, slightly earthy drink that is just as refreshing without the alcohol. It is a great option if you have guests who do not drink, and it looks just as stunning in the glass.

Try a flavored simple syrup. Once you start playing with flavored syrups in your mint julep pitcher recipe, there is no going back. A strawberry simple syrup is absolutely incredible! It adds a soft, sweetness that feels totally at home at a Derby party. Lavender simple syrup is another gorgeous option for something a little more floral and unexpected.

Garnish ideas

• Mint Sprig

FAQs

How far in advance can I make a mint julep pitcher?

You can make your mint julep pitcher up to 4 to 6 hours ahead of your party, which makes it perfect for Derby entertaining. Mix the bourbon and simple syrup together and refrigerate. If you muddle the mint directly in the pitcher, strain out the mint leaves after about 2 hours so the flavor does not become overpowering or bitter. You can also infuse the simple syrup with mint ahead of time (up to a week in advance!) and skip muddling in the pitcher altogether for a cleaner, more consistent flavor in every cup.

How many mint juleps does a bottle of bourbon make?

A standard 750ml bottle of bourbon yields approximately 16 to 17 mint juleps when using the classic recipe of about 2 ounces of bourbon per cocktail. For a mint julep pitcher serving 8 to 10 guests, you will need roughly one full bottle. If you are hosting a bigger crowd or expect your guests to go back for seconds (and they will… this mint julep pitcher recipe is that good), plan on having a second bottle on hand. You can also scale the pitcher recipe up easily,  just keep the ratio of 4 parts bourbon to 1 part simple syrup.

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Want more bourbon cocktails?

• Bourbon Espresso Martini
• French 95
• Blackberry Bourbon Smash