As the temperatures soar and summer sets in, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of mint julep to quench your thirst. This classic cocktail is a staple of Southern hospitality, but we’re shaking things up with 18 unique and delicious mint julep recipes that are sure to cool you down on even the hottest days.
From traditional takes on the classic Kentucky Mint Julep to fruity twists like Strawberry Basil Mint Julep and Pineapple Coconut Mint Julep, there’s a flavor combination to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a spicy kick, we’ve got you covered with these refreshing mint julep recipes that are perfect for summer.
Classic Kentucky Mint Julep
Experience the quintessential Southern cocktail with this timeless recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 tablespoons crushed ice
– 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. In a silver or stainless steel cup, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add the bourbon and simple syrup to the mint.
3. Crush the ice in a separate container until it’s a fine powder.
4. Fill the cup with the crushed ice.
5. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
6. Top with club soda.
7. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Bourbon Peach Mint Julep
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of bourbon, peaches, and mint in this unique twist on the classic julep. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings or any occasion when you want to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Crushed ice
– Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Muddle the diced peaches and fresh mint leaves in a mixing glass.
2. Add bourbon, simple syrup, and crushed ice to the mixing glass.
3. Stir for 20-30 seconds or until the mixture is well combined and chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled metal cup filled with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and whipped cream (if desired).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink recipe.
Strawberry Basil Mint Julep
This sweet and tangy twist on the classic mint julep combines fresh strawberries, basil, and mint to create a refreshing summer drink perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (or to taste)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar until well combined.
2. Add the sliced strawberries and crush them slightly with a spoon to release their juice.
3. Add the crushed ice, bourbon whiskey, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the julep over ice in glasses and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes ( preparation time only)
Spiced Honey Mint Julep
Escape to the warmth of a Kentucky Derby classic with this refreshing twist on the traditional mint julep. This Spiced Honey Mint Julep combines the soothing zing of peppermint with the sweetness of honey and the warmth of cinnamon, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crushed ice
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a julep cup or highball glass, crush the ice with a muddler or the back of a spoon until it’s coarsely crushed.
2. Add the bourbon whiskey and lime juice to the crushed ice.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey syrup and cinnamon until well combined.
4. Pour the honey-cinnamon mixture over the bourbon mixture in the julep cup.
5. Muddle the fresh mint leaves into the mixture with a muddler or the back of a spoon until they’re evenly distributed.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (cocktail)
Ginger Lime Mint Julep
Escape to the South with this unique take on the traditional mint julep, infused with the warmth of ginger and the brightness of lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crushed ice
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine Canton)
– 1/4 oz simple syrup
– 2 sprigs of fresh mint, plus more for garnish
– Lime wheel and crushed ice for serving
Instructions:
1. In a silver cup or julep cup, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or spoon to release oils.
2. Add bourbon, lime juice, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup. Fill the cup with crushed ice.
3. Stir until the outside of the cup is frosty, about 30 seconds.
4. Garnish with additional mint, a lime wheel, and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Blueberry Lavender Mint Julep
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this unique take on the classic mint julep. The addition of blueberries and lavender creates a refreshing twist that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup blueberries, rinsed and drained
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon sugar syrup (1:1 water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Crushed ice
– Sparkling water (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the mint leaves with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add the blueberries, lavender buds, bourbon whiskey, and sugar syrup to the pitcher. Stir until well combined.
3. Fill a julep cup or highball glass with crushed ice.
4. Pour the Blueberry Lavender Mint Julep mixture over the ice, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Top with sparkling water, if desired, and garnish with additional mint leaves and blueberries.
Cooking Time: None required! This refreshing cocktail is ready in minutes.
Pineapple Coconut Mint Julep
Experience the perfect blend of tropical flavors and classic minty freshness with this unique Pineapple Coconut Mint Julep. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crushed ice
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Sprinkle of sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a large cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
2. Add bourbon, lime juice, pineapple juice, and coconut cream to the shaker.
3. Add chopped fresh mint leaves and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with additional mint leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt (if desired).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Watermelon Mint Julep
This refreshing twist on the classic mint julep is perfect for hot summer days. Infuse the sweetness of watermelon into your drink and enjoy a cool, fruity take on this Kentucky Derby classic.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Crushed ice
– Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon cubes until smooth.
2. Muddle the fresh mint leaves with the bourbon whiskey in a cocktail shaker until the mint is well-crushed and the flavors are combined.
3. Add the simple syrup and blended watermelon to the shaker. Fill with crushed ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a julep cup or highball glass filled with crushed ice.
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold drink!
Raspberry Lemonade Mint Julep
Combine the sweetness of raspberries and lemonade with the cooling essence of mint for a unique and revitalizing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh raspberries
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemonade
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– 1/4 teaspoon dried mint leaves
– Sparkling water
– Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Muddle the raspberries with a spoon or muddler in a large pitcher until they release their juice and pulp.
2. Add the lemonade, simple syrup, and crushed ice to the pitcher. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the dried mint leaves and stir gently.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, stir in sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and serve over ice.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Vanilla Bean Mint Julep
Escape to the South with this refreshing twist on the classic mint julep, featuring the warm flavors of vanilla bean and crisp mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crushed ice
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– Splash of club soda
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, gently crush the ice with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release its flavors.
2. Add the bourbon whiskey and simple syrup; stir until dissolved.
3. Add the fresh mint leaves and vanilla bean to the pitcher; muddle gently for 30 seconds to release oils and flavors.
4. Stir well to combine, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Just before serving, add a splash of club soda to the pitcher and stir.
6. Serve immediately over crushed ice in glasses filled with ice.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes ( preparation only)
Apple Cinnamon Mint Julep
Combine the flavors of autumn with this unique Apple Cinnamon Mint Julep, perfect for a crisp fall evening or any time you want to add some excitement to your cocktail routine.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz cinnamon-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 3-4 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– Crushed ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider syrup, lime juice, and cinnamon-infused simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a julep cup or highball glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to drink as soon as you shake it up.
Note: To make apple cider syrup, combine 1 cup apple cider with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture reaches a syrupy consistency. Strain and store in an airtight container. Cinnamon-infused simple syrup can be made by steeping 1 cinnamon stick in 1 cup hot water with 1 cup sugar for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then straining and storing in an airtight container.
Blackberry Sage Mint Julep
This Blackberry Sage Mint Julep is a unique and delicious twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby cocktail. The combination of blackberries, sage, and mint creates a refreshing and herbaceous flavor profile that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh blackberries
– 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
– 2 sprigs of fresh sage
– 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
– 1 ounce simple syrup
– Crushed ice
– Club soda
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blackberries and mint leaves together.
2. Add the sage sprigs to the shaker and muddle gently to release the oils.
3. Add the bourbon whiskey and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled julep cup or highball glass filled with ice.
6. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Cherry Almond Mint Julep
Reinvigorate your senses with this refreshing twist on the classic mint julep, featuring sweet cherry and nutty almond flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups crushed ice
– 1/4 cup freshly muddled mint leaves
– 1/4 cup cherry syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup almond extract
– 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
– Splash of club soda
– Cherry garnish and sprig of fresh mint, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine crushed ice and muddled mint leaves.
2. Add cherry syrup and almond extract; stir to combine.
3. Pour in the bourbon whiskey; stir gently to chill.
4. Top with club soda just before serving.
5. Garnish with a cherry and sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Peach Tea Mint Julep
A refreshing twist on the classic julep, this peach tea mint julep combines the sweetness of peaches with the cooling effects of mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups strong brewed peach tea (cooled)
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 ounce bourbon whiskey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, gently combine cooled peach tea and simple syrup until well mixed.
2. Fill a julep cup or highball glass with crushed ice.
3. Pour the peach tea mixture over the ice, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprig of mint if desired.
5. If using bourbon whiskey, add it to the drink and stir gently.
Cooking Time: None (prepared drinks are ready immediately)
Spicy Jalapeño Mint Julep
Elevate your Kentucky Derby party with this refreshing twist on the classic mint julep. The spicy kick from the jalapeños adds a bold and unexpected flavor to this Southern staple.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups crushed ice
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1-2 diced jalapeños (depending on desired level of heat)
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
– Splash of club soda
Instructions:
1. In a silver cup or Julep cup, gently press the mint leaves and crushed ice together to release the oils.
2. Add the bourbon, simple syrup, and diced jalapeños to the cup.
3. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the ice has started to crush.
4. Top with powdered sugar and a splash of club soda.
5. Garnish with an additional sprig of mint and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Orange Blossom Mint Julep
A refreshing twist on the classic Mint Julep, this Orange Blossom Mint Julep combines the sweetness of orange with the cooling essence of mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed Orange Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz Orange Blossom Water
– 1/2 cup Crushed Ice
– Fresh Mint Leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing glass, combine Bourbon Whiskey, Orange Juice, Simple Syrup, and Orange Blossom Water.
2. Fill the mixing glass with crushed ice and stir until chilled and well-combined.
3. Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled Julep cup or rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pomegranate Rosemary Mint Julep
Elevate your classic mint julep with the sweet and tangy flavors of pomegranate and the herbaceousness of rosemary. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather and special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crushed ice
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
– 1/4 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 sprig of rosemary
– Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a metal julep cup or highball glass with crushed ice.
2. Add bourbon, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the ice is crushed.
4. Add fresh mint leaves and rosemary sprig to the drink.
5. Garnish with additional mint leaves and pomegranate seeds, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Maple Bacon Mint Julep
Elevate your julep game with this sweet and savory take on the traditional mint julep. The addition of maple syrup and crispy bacon adds depth and complexity to this refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup infused with mint leaves (see note)
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– 1 tablespoon pure Canadian maple syrup
– 4-6 strips of crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
– Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with crushed ice.
2. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain into a julep cup or rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Drizzle maple syrup over the top of the drink in a zigzag pattern.
5. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of the maple syrup.
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these refreshing mint julep recipes! From classic Kentucky-style to unique twists like Bourbon Peach and Strawberry Basil, there’s something for everyone. Try Spiced Honey for a warm and comforting drink or Ginger Lime for a zesty kick. Get creative with flavors like Pineapple Coconut, Blueberry Lavender, or even Maple Bacon. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or just need a cooling treat, these 18 mint julep recipes are sure to please.