Refreshing Classic Mint Julep Punch Bowl
A refreshing and easy-to-make mint julep punch perfect for summer parties, blending fresh mint, bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, and water or club soda for a crowd-pleasing drink.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- 2 cups bourbon (480 ml)
- 1 cup simple syrup (240 ml) made from equal parts sugar and water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (120 ml), about 2-3 lemons
- 4 cups cold water or club soda (960 ml)
- Crushed ice, plenty
- Lemon slices and additional mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup by combining 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool completely (about 15 minutes). Optionally add a strip of lemon zest while heating, then remove before cooling.
- Place the fresh mint leaves in the punch bowl. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently press the leaves to release aroma and oils without shredding.
- Add 2 cups bourbon and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice to the bowl. Stir gently to combine with the muddled mint.
- Pour in the cooled simple syrup and stir to mix evenly.
- Slowly add 4 cups cold water or club soda. Stir lightly to incorporate, keeping some fizz if using soda.
- Fill the bowl with crushed ice and stir once more to chill and dilute the punch evenly.
- Garnish with lemon slices and extra mint sprigs. Serve immediately with a ladle and plenty of glasses.
Notes
Muddle mint gently to avoid bitterness. Use crushed ice for slower dilution. Prepare syrup and muddle mint ahead, but combine all ingredients and add ice just before serving to keep punch fresh. For non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with iced black tea or non-alcoholic bourbon syrup. Adjust lemon juice to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
Keywords: mint julep, punch bowl, summer drink, bourbon punch, party drink, refreshing cocktail, easy punch recipe