Mint Julep

A Mint Julep is a traditional Southern cocktail made with bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup (sugar and water), and crushed ice. The primary gout concern is the significant alcohol content from bourbon, which is a distilled spirit. Alcohol, especially beer and spirits, increases uric acid production and impairs its excretion from the kidneys, rapidly raising serum urate levels and putting you at high risk for an acute gout attack.

The simple syrup adds pure sugar, and while not high fructose corn syrup, any concentrated sugar can still contribute to insulin resistance and impaired uric acid clearance when consumed regularly. For individuals with well-controlled gout, an occasional small sip is far riskier than non-alcoholic drinks; the safest approach is to avoid spirits entirely if you have a history of frequent flares. Always hydrate with water alongside any alcoholic beverage, and never drink on an empty stomach.