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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 and create a refreshing Derby-ready sip.
Mint juleps are the official drink of the Kentucky Derby horse race 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.
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.
Makes 1 cocktail.
2 oz bourbon
1 oz simple syrup
1 oz club soda or sparkling water
5-6 mint leaves
4-5 fresh blackberries
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!
Tips for Blackberry Mint Julep
I got you! Follow the recipe and instructions above, but leave out the blackberries.
Skip the rye or flavored (honey, etc.) liquor on this one and go with your favorite classic bourbon. Don’t have a favorite? Try something in a mid-range price point. In Michigan, that’s around $30-$35 per 750ml bottle. I prefer Bulliet or Buffalo Trace for my bourbon cocktails.
This 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.
Snack Pairing
Enjoy your delicious cocktail with a salty snack like these homemade potato chips!
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Blackberry Mint Julep
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
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.
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!
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Stir
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: blackberry, bourbon, mint julep, derby drinks, bourbon cocktail
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