6 Fresh and Summery Mint Julep Variations

·
Do you want to eat AND live more colorfully?
Subscribe to my newsletter and explore how to live your most vibrant plant-filled life.

(Note: this post was originally published on April 23, 2020. It has since been updated with some new variations.)

The Mint Julep: A Perfect Summer Bourbon Cocktail

If there's one cocktail to master this spring and summer, it's the bourbon mint julep. This classic bourbon cocktail is boozy, a touch sweet, loaded with fresh mint, and elegant.

This post is an ode to the iconic Kentucky Derby cocktail. First, I cover some basics about what a mint julep is and how to make a classic bourbon mint julep. After that, I share five additional mint julep recipes incorporating everything from strawberries to peaches to honey. I hope this post inspires you to try a few of these elegant and unique mint julep variations, ideally sitting outside on a warm evening, as you enjoy the best season of the year.

Excited to dive in? Keep scrolling down for:

  1. Classic Mint Julep
  2. Vermont Maple Mint Julep
  3. Cherry Mint Julep
  4. Strawberry Mint Julep
  5. Peach Mint Julep
  6. Honey Mint Julep

What Is a Mint Julep?

The mint julep is best known as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. This iconic summer sip is a lightly-sweetened bourbon cocktail that gets its flavor and freshness from mint. It apparently dates all the way back to the late 1700's (including versions using spirits other than bourbon), although it didn't become the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby until 1938. Check out this Wikipedia article if you want to learn more about the history of the mint julep.

Ingredients In a Mint Julep

This historical summer bourbon cocktail recipe uses just a few simple ingredients. Typically, these ingredients are:

  • Granulated sugar. Demarara sugar, which is less processed and very flavorful, is often used. However, you can use a variety of different sweeteners (see many options below), all of which vary the flavor of the final cocktail. You can even experiment with liquid sweeteners, like maple syrup and honey.
  • Fresh mint. Fresh mint is a non-negotiable in this cocktail. Make sure you get fresh, high-quality mint that is vibrant and fragrant.
  • Bourbon. Bourbon is the spirit that is classically used in a mint julep, although you can experiment with variations using other types of liquor as well. See the section below for details about bourbon choices.

How to Make a Mint Julep

The mint julep is an easy cocktail to make since it uses just a few ingredients and is (usually) mixed right in the serving glass. A classic mint julep involves muddling the sugar and the mint together, which helps the mint to release its flavorful oils, then adding bourbon and ice. Because this summery bourbon cocktail is fast to make, it's a great option for a party. All you need is a muddler and some glasses.

What Kind of Bourbon is In a Mint Julep?

Bourbon is the key ingredient in this classic cocktail, so you'll want to work with a high-quality product. This isn't the place for bottom-shelf bourbon, since there are no juices, bitters, or liqueurs to soften it. Although likewise, this isn't necessarily the place for a high-end sipping bourbon either. My personal preference is a solid middle shelf bourbon like Knob Creek, Bulleit, or Buffalo Trace. And while bourbon is the classic approach, mint julep variations can also work nicely with other types of whiskey such as rye.

What Kind of Ice is In a Mint Julep?

The issue of ice size/shape in a mint julep can be controversial. A julep is sometimes served over a few large ice cubes and sometimes over crushed ice (or pebble ice). You'll see a number of different types of ice in these photos to show the variety of possibilities. Crushed ice is traditional at the Kentucky Derby; it makes the cocktail feel more refreshing and the end result is both more hydrating and more mellow. If you're a bourbon fan, a few rocks might be preferable; if you're a bourbon newbie (or if it's a hot day), crushed ice will give you a more approachable drink.

How to Serve Mint Juleps

Mint juleps (and mint julep variations) are fabulous, versatile, seasonal sips. They're best enjoyed on a warm late-spring or summer evening, ideally outdoors. Just make sure the cocktail is properly chilled, since mint juleps tend to be quite strong.

In terms of presentation, the mint julep is usually simple and elegant. Although there are specific silver mint julep glasses that are considered classic, any rocks glass (or old fashioned glass) will work. And of course don't forget a sprig of fresh mint for garnish!

These iconic, classic cocktails go great with anything on the grill, so they're a perfect cocktail to serve at an outdoor get-together. The mint also helps them work nicely with dishes that have fresh herbs, like summer salads (including this Mint Julep Quinoa Salad).

Mint Julep Recipes

Now is the fun part! Here are six different mint julep recipes for you to try. I suggest starting with a classic mint julep first, then trying some of the other flavored variations (or creating your own!) after.

Classic Bourbon Mint Julep

Let's start at the beginning: the traditional mint julep recipe (pictured below). It's easy to make, classic, elegant, and is a perfect way to transition bourbon to the warmer months. You can vary the amount of bourbon as well as the sweetness, so you can cater to different tastes.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • 0.5 - 1 tsp coarse Demerara sugar (or to taste)
  • 2 oz bourbon

Directions

  1. Right in the serving glass, muddle the fresh mint and sugar.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Add the bourbon, stir, and let it sit on the ice for a minute to chill.
  4. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves.

Vermont Maple Mint Julep

In this mint julep variation (pictured below), you'll use maple syrup in place of granulated sugar. Using maple syrup provides additional flavor, and, personally-speaking, I'm always excited to use a local product rather than one from afar. Bonus points for garnishing with a maple sugar candy. If you're feeling like a high-roller, use Whistlepig (which is actually a rye, but it's one of Vermont's most well-known distilled products).

Ingredients

  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • 0.25 oz maple syrup (or to taste)
  • 2 oz bourbon (or Vermont's Whistlepig Rye)
  • Optional maple sugar candy for garnish

Directions

  1. Right in the serving glass, muddle the fresh mint and maple syrup.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Add the bourbon, stir, and let it sit on the ice for a minute to chill.
  4. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves (and a maple sugar candy, optional).

Cherry Mint Julep

This seductive julep riff (pictured below) incorporates Luxardo cherry liqueur, which is earthy and complex. It works great through late summer and even into early fall since the Luxardo makes it feel cozier. Reduce the sweetener a bit because the Luxardo has some sweetness to it.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • 0.25 - 0.5 tsp Demerara sugar (or to taste)
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 0.5 oz Luxardo liqueur
  • Luxardo cherry for garnish (or, as shown here, my own homemade bourbon-infused maraschino cherries)

Directions

  1. Right in the serving glass, muddle the fresh mint and sugar.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Add the bourbon and Luxardo, stir, and let it sit on the ice for a minute to chill.
  4. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and a cherry.

Strawberry Mint Julep

This summer bourbon cocktail (pictured below) is fun, fruity, and seasonal. You'll just muddle some strawberries into the cocktail and garnish with a couple fresh strawberries. As written, I suggest making the drink in a cocktail stirring glass and straining it so that you can remove the strawberry pulp, but feel free to make this right in the serving glass if you don't mind the pulp.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • 2-3 ripe strawberries, plus additional for garnish
  • 0.5 - 1 tsp coarse Demerara sugar (or to taste)
  • 2 oz bourbon

Directions

  1. In a cocktail stirring glass, muddle the fresh mint, strawberries, and sugar.
  2. Add ice and the bourbon, then stir.
  3. Fill a serving glass with ice.
  4. Strain the cocktail into the serving glass to remove the strawberry pulp.
  5. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and strawberry slices.

Peach Mint Julep

Another fruity variation, this peach-infused bourbon mint julep (pictured below) is perfect for late summer and has big southern vibes. You'll omit (or reduce) the sweetener, and instead use half an ounce of peach schnapps. Similar to the recipe above, I suggest making the drink in a cocktail stirring glass and straining it so that you can remove the peach pulp, but feel free to make this right in the serving glass if you don't mind the pulp. Or, take the lazy way out and don't worry about muddling in fresh peaches; just use peach schnapps for an easier version of this mint julep variation.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • Several ripe peach slices, plus additional for garnish
  • Optional few pinches of coarse Demerara sugar (to taste)
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 0.5 oz peach schnapps

Directions

  1. In a cocktail stirring glass, muddle the fresh mint, peaches, and sugar.
  2. Add ice, the bourbon, and the schnapps, then stir.
  3. Fill a serving glass with ice.
  4. Strain the cocktail into the serving glass to remove the peach pulp.
  5. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and peach slices.

Honey Mint Julep

The combination of honey and mint feels so summery! For this version (pictured below), you'll use local honey in place of the sugar. Garnish with a piece of honeycomb for extra flair and for a delightful, drippy treat. Although decidedly non-traditional, I sometimes make this version with a honey-based distilled product, which is why the cocktail in the photo below is lighter in color than bourbon.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • 0.25 local honey (or to taste)
  • 2 oz bourbon (or an aged honey spirit)
  • Optional honeycomb piece for garnish

Directions

  1. Right in the serving glass, muddle the fresh mint and honey.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Add the bourbon, stir, and let it sit on the ice for a minute to chill.
  4. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves (and a little piece of honeycomb, optional).

Closing Thoughts

What do you think? Which of these special, elegant, summer bourbon cocktails will you try first? Whether you're new to home mixology or are a pro mixologist, I hope you have fun with these mint julep variations. And remember, this is just the beginning; there are an infinite number of ways to vary this iconic Kentucky Derby classic.

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

As with all my cocktail recipes, please enjoy responsibly!

Suggested Pairings

Fresh Herb Green Goddess Hummus

Mint Julep Quinoa Salad

Summer Mojito Corn Salad

Watermelon, Snap Pea, and Mint Salad

Boozy Nicecream Guide (see the Kentucky Mule flavor in particular!)

6 Fresh and Summery Mint Julep Variations

An iconic summer bourbon cocktail, the mint julep is perfect for seasonal parties and of course Derby Day. Check out all these unique mint julep recipe variations to keep this classic cocktail fresh and exciting all summer long.

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • 0.5 - 1 tsp coarse Demerara sugar (or to taste)
  • 2 oz high-quality bourbon

Instructions

  1. Right in the serving glass, muddle the fresh mint and sugar.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Add the bourbon, stir, and let it sit on the ice for a minute to chill.
  4. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves.

Leave a Comment

Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

Thanks for contributing to our community! Your comment will appear shortly.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Felix Meyer
August 29, 2024
This was a very good post.
DW
May 8, 2022
I have been lucky enough to have tried most of these and it is so hard to decide on a favorite - so try them all!!
Frances
May 5, 2022
Oh my goodness, Lee - the pictures are incredible! And this is so easy that even I can try these. Thanks from a Southerner!