(Optional) make a simple syrup: In order to make simple syrup you will need one part granulated sugar and one part water. So feel free to make as big or as small a batch as you want, today I am using ½ cup of each. Then pour both ingredients into a small pot and place over medium heat. Stir these two ingredients until the sugar has dissolved into the water, this should take only a couple of minutes to do. Finally, pour the simple syrup into a jar or bottle and let it cool off in your fridge for an hour before using.

Muddle the mint: Get out the glass that you plan on making the mint julep in and toss in the mint leaves along with the granulated sugar if you aren’t using a simple syrup. Then use a muddler to press down on the leaves so that its oils are released.

Add simple syrup and Bourbon to the glass and stir it together with a small spoon.

Add the ice: Crush your ice and add enough of it to the glass so that it comes just to the top of the rim. Shake the glass a little so that the liquid comes up to the top of the ice. Then add a handful of ice over the top of this so that it forms a small dome. This last step is totally optional but is the traditional way of making the drink.

Garnish the drink with a sprig of mint and enjoy immediately!