Simple Blackberry Mint Julep
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An easy-to-make, bourbon drink, this blackberry mint julep uses the natural tartness of fresh blackberries to balance out the sweetness of the simple syrup and mint in a classic mint julep. It’s a refreshing Derby-ready twist on a classic cocktail.
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.
Ingredients
- Bourbon – Choose your favorite Kentucky bourbon whisky for this recipe. I like Four Roses and Buffalo Trace.
- Simple syrup – Easily made at home with sugar and water, stir together your simple syrup ahead of making your cocktail.
- Club soda – While club soda will give your drink the most fizz, feel free to swap it out for plain sparkling water if you prefer. Or choose a blackberry flavored water to up the berry flavor.
- Mint leaves – Fresh mint is a requirement for this cocktail. Do not use dried mint.
- Blackberries – Fresh blackberries will work the best and give the best flavor. If you can’t find any, use thawed frozen blackberries instead.
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 and fill your glass with crushed ice.
Top with a little club soda or sparkling water.
Blackberry Mint Julep Recipe
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.5-6 mint leaves, 4-5 fresh blackberries, 1 oz simple syrup
- Muddle everything together, breaking up the berries.
- Add the bourbon.2 oz bourbon
- Fill your glass with crushed ice.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.1 oz club soda
- Garnish with a large sprig of mint and/or some blackberries.
- Give it a stir before you sip and enjoy!
Equipment
Recipe Tips
Use lots and lots of ice! Blackberry mint juleps are meant to be served very cold and full of crushed ice. (Think snow cone level 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 couple cups of ice cubes in a gallon 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, or do what the pros do and use a Lewis Ice Bag with a wooden mallet.
Don’t have a julep cup? Silver julep cups are fun, but 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 or copper cup – for this cocktail. Just be sure your glassware is stemless. With all that ice, this is not the time for a tall, thin wine glass.
Shop Thees Julep Cups
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Buy Now → Change up Your Drink with Simple Syrups
Simple syrups are a great way to change up the flavor of a drink. Fresh 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! Head to my classic mint julep page for the recipe.
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 $35-$40 per 750ml bottle. I love Four Roses or Buffalo Trace for my mint juleps.
This blackberry julep recipe calls for 8-10 fresh mint leaves, but if you love mint, feel free to toss a few more in the glass! 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 mint-y scent as you sip.
Yep! Just be sure to let them thaw first so they’re easy to muddle and break up.
Don’t Miss These Bourbon Cocktails
Love bourbon? Looking for more ways to enjoy it? If you like a good bourbon cocktail, try my popular coffee old fashioned or this creamy ginger bourbon sour. Want more of a classic sip? Make an Irish coffee or traditional old fashioned cocktail.
