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An easy-to-make, bourbon drink, this blackberry mint julep uses the natural tartness of blackberries to balance out the sweetness of a classic mint julep and create a refreshing Derby-ready sip.
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Mint juleps are the official drink of the Kentucky Derby horse races that takes place in May, which is probably why I start craving one every spring. It’s a cocktail that has an air of sophistication about it, but yet is surprisingly easy to make. Introduced at the Derby in the 1930s, the mint julep is ideal for any hot day, yet seems to be only served in early May during the races.
This blackberry mint julep recipe is great for those who aren’t familiar with bourbon or find an Old Fashioned to be a bit too much. Classic Mint Juleps are sweet, but the blackberry in this recipe brings that down while adding a refreshing berry flavor that pairs really well with bourbon. We're also ditching the cocktail shaker and making this one right in the glass.
How to Make a Blackberry Mint Julep
Place the mint, blackberries and simple syrup in a silver julep cup or rocks glass.
Muddle everything together, breaking up the berries.
Add the bourbon.
Fill your glass with crushed ice.
Top with club soda or sparkling water.
Garnish with a large mint sprig and/or some blackberries.
Give it a good stir before you sip and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Use lots and lots of ice! Blackberry mint juleps are meant to be served very cold and full of crushed ice. Don't skip that part or just use a little bit of ice. If you don't have access to crushed ice, place a cup of ice cubes in a zip top bag, wrap the bag in a kitchen towel, and use a heavy pot or rolling pin to smash and crush the ice before using it in your cocktail.
- Don't have a julep cup? Silver julep cups can be expensive and are only used to serve one kind of drink, so it's not surprising that many people don't own them. If you don't have julep glasses, choose a more standard cocktail glass like a rocks glass for this cocktail. Just be sure your glassware is stemless. With all that ice, this is not the time for a thin wine glass.
Try Different Kinds of Simple Syrup
Mint syrup or blackberry syrup are both delicious substitutes for traditional simple syrup in this recipe. Which one to use depends on what you're looking to highlight. Both are easy to make, though the mint syrup requires a few less steps.
FAQs and Substitutions
I got you! Follow the recipe and instructions above, but leave out the blackberries for a more proper mint julep.
Skip the rye or flavored (honey, etc.) bourbon on this one and go with your favorite classic Kentucky bourbon. New to bourbon? Don’t have a favorite? Try something in a mid-range price point - around $30-$35 per 750ml bottle. I love Four Roses or Buffalo Trace for my mint juleps.
This blackberry julep recipe calls for 5-6 fresh mint leaves, but if you love mint, feel free to toss a few more in the glass! Another option is to get more mint flavor out of your garnish, by giving your sprig of mint a firm, loud clap between your hands before adding it to your drink. That clap will help release the oils in the leaves, enhancing your mint julep with even more mint and giving you a stronger minty scent as you sip.
Absolutely! Just be sure to let them thaw first so they're easy to muddle and break up.
Try These Bourbon Cocktails
If you love a good bourbon cocktail, try my popular coffee old fashioned or this creamy ginger bourbon sour.
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PrintBlackberry Mint Julep
An easy-to-make, bourbon drink, this blackberry mint julep uses the natural tartness of blackberries to balance out the sweetness and create a refreshing Derby-ready sip.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Stir
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
- 5-6 mint leaves
- 4-5 fresh blackberries
Instructions
Place the mint, blackberries and simple syrup in a julep cup or rocks glass.
Muddle everything together, breaking up the berries.
Add the bourbon.
Fill your glass with crushed ice.
Top with club soda or sparkling water.
Garnish with a large sprig of mint and/or some blackberries.
Give it a stir before you sip and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 15.8 g
- Sodium: 6.8 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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