Mint Julep Variation
A couple of days ago, I made a Classic Mint Julep Cocktail. I had been thinking about Derby Day cocktails and wanted to start getting ready (what can I say, I'm a planner!)
It was so good. As I was sipping it, I was thinking about how could I change it up. What kind of variations could I try.
I had just bought a few containers of blackberries on sale and thought that they would go perfectly with the bourbon and the mint.
Oh boy, did they! With just one extra step, you can turn your julep into a delicious fruity cocktail!
Ingredients
- Bourbon - a Kentucky derby cocktail needs a Kentucky bourbon! For this we brought out some Elijah Craig Small Batch.
- Simple syrup - some recipes call for sugar, which you then muddle with the mint. I find simple syrup so much easier.
- Mint - fresh mint.
- Blackberries - fresh. I try to buy organic, even though they are not on the dirty dozen list.
Directions
Measure 2 ounces of bourbon.
Measure ½ ounce of simple syrup.
Place the blackberries in a mixing glass with the simple syrup and muddle them until they are finely crushed and you have gotten as much juice out of them as possible.
Strain the muddled blackberries into your cocktail glass. You want to strain out the seeds! This step is optional, you could just muddle in the glass, but I like the cleaner look and not having blackberry seeds in my cocktails!
Place the mint leaves in the glass and muddle them into the blueberry syrup. The reason you are muddling them separate from the blackberries is because the mint leaves stay in the cocktail.
Fill the glass with crushed ice. Pour in the bourbon.
Stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Add more crushed ice to the top and garnish with fresh blackberries and mint sprigs!
So good people! I'm not going to lie, we have had these juleps 3 times since I first made them. I made them until I ran out of blackberries!
As soon as some other fruits go on sale, I'm going to experiment with some other flavors!
More Blackberry Cocktails
- Homemade Blackberry Liqueur -
- Blackberry Cocktail
- Blackberry Ginger Fizz
- Blackberry Vodka
- Blackberry Whiskey Sour
Blackberry Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 6 blackberries 4 to muddle, 2 to garnish
- 6 mint leaves plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle blackberries and simple syrup in a mixing glass.
- Strain into cocktail glass. Add mint leaves and muddle the leaves with the blackberry syrup.
- Add crushed ice. Pour in the bourbon. Stir for 30 seconds to chill.
- Add more ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Refreshing and delicious! Fruity and minty is the perfect match! Would love to be sipping on one right now on the deck.
kita says
Not only do the tastes totally work together here, but I love the color of the blackberries in the glass before I mix everything else in. totally stunning
Elaine says
Love this kind of cocktails - so refreshing and so great looking. And I really like how easy your recipe is - just perfect.
Daniela says
I want to be sipping this all summer! Love the in process shots too! Thanks so much for sharing :).
Veronika says
Looks like a perfect refreshing drink! Is it 5 o'clock yet!)
Leslie says
What a beautiful, refreshing recipe you've made! This is stunning! Love all the flavor combinations!
Kushigalu says
How refreshing this is. I love the drink combo! Must try.
Anna says
What a great combo, bourbon and blackberries! Fresh mint makes it even more quenching! I'm feeling very thirsty right now!
Jenni LeBaron says
I love a bourbon cocktail and adore blackberries so this is right up my alley. The mint gives it the perfect balance so its extra refreshing!
Sharon says
I love this classic mint julep with a berry twist. A great cocktail for the upcoming Mardi Gras.
Jacqui DeBono says
Fruity cocktails with mint are my favorite! I love how refreshing this one is.
Mahy says
Fabulous cocktail to enjoy over the weekend. Really excited to give it a try!
Jamie says
This was so refreshing and delicious! We loved the mint and blackberry combo!
Jeannette says
Just in time for Valentine's Day! Thanks for sharing such a delicious and easy recipe! I know the mint will add amazing flavour to it!
Anjali says
Yumm! What a simple and easy cocktail to make that tastes delicious!!
Angela Allison says
Wow, this was so good! Incredibly refreshing and flavorful. My guests loved it! Thanks so much for sharing such a delicious cocktail.