17 Southern Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!

Published on: Apr 24, 2024

The southern mint julep is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades, particularly in the southern United States. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days, but it's also a great choice for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, the southern mint julep is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. In this article, we'll share a delicious and professional recipe for the perfect southern mint julep. So let's raise our glasses and explore this iconic cocktail together!

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Classic Kentucky Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup, Ice Cubes, Crushed

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The classic Kentucky Mint Julep is a staple at any Southern gathering. Made with bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint, this refreshing cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The key to a great Mint Julep is to muddle the mint leaves to release their essential oils, giving the drink a burst of flavor. Try using freshly picked mint from your garden for an even more authentic taste.

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Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Water, White Sugar, Mint Leaves, Bourbon, Mint

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The Mint Julep is a simple yet delicious variation of the classic Kentucky Mint Julep. This recipe adds a twist by using honey instead of simple syrup, giving the drink a subtle sweetness. To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint leaves with honey in the bottom of a glass, add bourbon and crushed ice, and top it off with a splash of sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.

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Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Mint Leaves, Sugar Cubes, Makers Mark Whisky, Mint

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The Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep is a strong and bold version of the classic cocktail. Made with brandy instead of bourbon, this drink has a unique flavor that sets it apart from other Mint Julep recipes. To make this cocktail, mix brandy, simple syrup, and fresh mint in a glass, and top it off with crushed ice. For an extra kick, add a splash of Angostura bitters and garnish with a sprig of mint.

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Cognac Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Mint, Sugar, Cognac

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The Cognac Mint Julep is another twist on the classic recipe, featuring cognac as the base spirit. This adds a rich and smooth flavor to the cocktail, making it perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening. Simply muddle fresh mint with simple syrup in a glass, add cognac and crushed ice, and stir until well combined. Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy!

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Classic Southern Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Mint, Superfine Sugar, Bourbon, Crushed Ice

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The Classic Southern Mint Julep is the quintessential drink of the South. This recipe stays true to the original, featuring bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint. The key to a great Mint Julep is to use a high-quality bourbon, as it is the star of the show. Serve in a silver or copper julep cup for the full Southern experience.

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Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Crushed Ice, Simple Syrup, Bourbon, Mint

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The Kentucky Derby Mint Julep is the official drink of the famous horse race. This recipe stays true to the traditional version, but adds a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist. To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint with simple syrup in a glass, add bourbon and orange juice, and top it off with crushed ice. Serve in a julep cup and garnish with an orange slice for a refreshing and festive drink.

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Marvelous Kentucky Derby Style Mint Julep Cocktail

Main Ingredients: Mint, Bourbon, Simple Syrup

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The Marvelous Kentucky Derby Style Mint Julep Cocktail is a unique and flavorful spin on the classic recipe. This version uses peach schnapps and apricot brandy in addition to bourbon, giving it a fruity and slightly sweet taste. To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint with simple syrup in a glass, add the spirits and crushed ice, and stir until well combined. Garnish with a peach slice and a mint sprig for a beautiful presentation.

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The Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Branca Menta, Mint, Simple Syrup

Mixed Berry Mint Julep - Recipe Runner

The Mint Julep is a simple and straightforward recipe that lets the fresh mint shine. This version uses mint-infused simple syrup, giving the drink an extra burst of mint flavor. Simply mix bourbon, mint simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves in a glass, and top it off with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy this refreshing and classic cocktail.

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Honey Peach Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Peach, Sugar, Water, Mint, Honey, Bourbon, Fresh Mint

Honey Whiskey Mint Julep Recipe - Food Fanatic

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The Honey Peach Mint Julep is a sweet and fruity twist on the classic recipe. This version combines peaches, honey, and mint for a delicious and refreshing cocktail. To make this drink, muddle fresh mint with honey and peaches in a glass, add bourbon and crushed ice, and stir until well combined. Garnish with a peach slice and a mint sprig for a beautiful presentation.

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Mint Julep Watermelon

Main Ingredients: Bourbon Whiskey, Fresh Mint, Chopped Fresh Mint, Sugar

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The Mint Julep Watermelon is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic cocktail. This version adds watermelon juice to the mix, giving the drink a refreshing and fruity taste. To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint with simple syrup in a glass, add bourbon and watermelon juice, and top it off with crushed ice. Garnish with a watermelon slice and a mint sprig for a summery and delicious drink.

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Blackberry Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Water, Fresh Mint Leaves, Blackberries, Ice

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The Blackberry Mint Julep is a beautiful and flavorful twist on the classic recipe. This version uses blackberry syrup and blackberries to give the cocktail a deep purple color and a sweet and tangy taste. To make this drink, muddle fresh mint with blackberry syrup and blackberries in a glass, add bourbon and crushed ice, and stir until well combined. Garnish with a blackberry skewer and a mint sprig for a stunning presentation.

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Peach Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Peach, Fresh Mint Leaves, Bourbon, Angostura Bitters

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The Peach Mint Julep is a sweet and fruity twist on the classic recipe. This version uses peach schnapps and fresh peaches to give the drink a peachy flavor. To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint with simple syrup and peaches in a glass, add bourbon and crushed ice, and stir until well combined. Garnish with a peach slice and a mint sprig for a beautiful and delicious drink.

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Mint Julep Iced Tea

Main Ingredients: Fresh Mint Leaves, Lemon, Lime, Bourbon, Tea, Mint

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The Mint Julep Iced Tea combines two classic Southern drinks into one refreshing and delicious beverage. This version adds sweet tea to the mix, giving the drink a subtle sweetness and a hint of tea flavor. Simply mix bourbon, mint simple syrup, and sweet tea in a glass, and top it off with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy this unique and refreshing drink.

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Sweet Tea Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Mint Leaves, Tea Bags, Bourbon, Crushed

Noted. | FineStationery.com: Sips & Spirits: Sweet Tea Mint Julep

Sweet Tea Mint Julep - Burrata and Bubbles

The Sweet Tea Mint Julep is another delicious combination of two classic Southern drinks. This version uses sweet tea vodka and fresh mint to give the cocktail a unique and refreshing taste. To make this drink, muddle fresh mint with simple syrup in a glass, add sweet tea vodka and crushed ice, and stir until well combined. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon wedge for a beautiful presentation.

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Simple Sweet Tea Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Sweet Tea, Fresh Mint Leaves, Bourbon, Ice, Slice Of

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The Simple Sweet Tea Mint Julep is a quick and easy version of the classic recipe. This version uses sweet tea and mint simple syrup for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail. Simply mix bourbon, mint simple syrup, and sweet tea in a glass, and top it off with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy this simple and delicious drink.

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Brown Sugar-Peach Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Water, Dark Brown Sugar, Fresh Mint Leaves, Peaches

Switching out regular sugar for this version with brown sugar and ...

The Brown Sugar-Peach Mint Julep is a sweet and flavorful twist on the classic recipe. This version uses brown sugar and peach schnapps for a unique and delicious cocktail. To make this drink, muddle fresh mint with brown sugar and peach schnapps in a glass, add bourbon and crushed ice, and stir until well combined. Garnish with a peach slice and a mint sprig for a beautiful and tasty drink.

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Kentucky Derby Sugar Free Keto Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Mint Leaves, Liquid Stevia, Angostura Bitters

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A $1,000 Collector's Cup For The Perfect Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

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The Kentucky Derby Sugar Free Keto Mint Julep is a low-carb and sugar-free version of the classic cocktail. This version uses stevia and sugar-free simple syrup for a guilt-free and delicious drink. Simply mix bourbon, sugar-free simple syrup, and fresh mint in a glass, and top it off with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy this keto-friendly Mint Julep.

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A Mexican Mint Julep – A Mezcal Cocktail

Main Ingredients: Mezcal, Mint Leaves, Brown Sugar, Water, Jalapeno

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The Mexican Mint Julep is a unique and flavorful variation of the classic recipe. This version uses mezcal instead of bourbon, giving the drink a smoky and earthy flavor. To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint with agave nectar in a glass, add mezcal and crushed ice, and stir until well combined. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge for a Mexican twist on the classic Mint Julep.

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Frozen Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Mint Syrup, Sugar, Water, Fresh Mint, Mint, Crushed

The Frozen Mint Julep is a refreshing and slushy version of the classic cocktail. This version uses frozen peaches and ice in addition to the traditional ingredients, giving the drink a smooth and cool texture. Simply blend all the ingredients together until smooth, and serve in a julep cup. Garnish with a peach slice and a mint sprig for a delicious and icy drink.

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Margarita Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Bacardi R Mixers Margarita Mix, Bacardi R Rum, Mint

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The Margarita Mint Julep is a fun and flavorful fusion of two beloved cocktails. This version combines tequila and lime juice with the traditional Mint Julep ingredients, giving the drink a tangy and citrusy kick. To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint with simple syrup in a glass, add tequila, lime juice, and crushed ice, and stir until well combined. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig for a delicious and unique margarita twist on the classic Mint Julep.

The History of the Southern Mint Julep

The Origins of the Mint Julep

The exact origins of the mint julep are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States during the 18th century. It was originally made with brandy or rum, but as bourbon became more popular in the 19th century, it became the preferred liquor for this cocktail. The name "julep" is thought to have come from the Arabic word "julab," which refers to a sweetened rosewater drink.

The Southern Mint Julep Tradition

The southern mint julep became particularly popular in the 19th century, where it was enjoyed by both the wealthy elite and the working class. It was often served at social gatherings and horse races, such as the famous Kentucky Derby. Over the years, the recipe has been modified and perfected, but the core ingredients of bourbon, sugar, and mint have remained the same.

The Perfect Southern Mint Julep Recipe

Now that we know a bit about the history of the mint julep, let's dive into the recipe. Here's what you'll need:

2 oz bourbon
1 tsp sugar
8-10 mint leaves
Crushed ice
Mint sprig for garnish

To start, place the sugar and mint leaves in a julep cup or highball glass. Gently muddle the leaves to release the mint oils. Next, add the bourbon and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir again to mix all the ingredients together. Finally, top with more crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig. And there you have it, the perfect southern mint julep!

Customize Your Mint Julep

While the classic southern mint julep is delicious on its own, there are a few ways you can customize it to suit your taste. For a sweeter drink, you can add more sugar or even use a flavored simple syrup. You can also experiment with different types of bourbon to find your favorite. And for an extra kick, you can top off your julep with a splash of club soda. There's no wrong way to enjoy this iconic cocktail!

In Conclusion

The southern mint julep is a timeless cocktail that has stood the test of time. With its refreshing taste and rich history, it's no wonder why it's still a favorite among cocktail lovers today. So why not try making your own southern mint julep and join the tradition? Cheers!