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    Home » Recipes » Beverage Recipes » Berry Mint Julep Recipe

    Berry Mint Julep Recipe

    Published: Sep 22, 2020 · Modified: Apr 16, 2021 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    The mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. When we had our Kentucky State dinner I wanted to mix things up just a little bit, so we created berry mint juleps. They were so good! The fruit takes away some of the bite of the bourbon, and makes these a very delicious drink!

    3 berry mint juleps with berries and mint scattered around.
    Jump to:
    • Variations of the Berry Mint Julep
    • What Kind of Mint Should I Use?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Variations of the Berry Mint Julep

    For our Kentucky dinner, we created separate mint juleps.

    We had a strawberry mint julep, raspberry mint julep, and a blackberry mint julep. But you could put all three fruits into one drink, and even add some blueberries!

    Blackberries are the state fruit of Kentucky, so the blackberry mint julep is very popular!

    But our favorite was the strawberry mint julep. The strawberry flavor gave just the right amount of sweetness!

    Close up photo of a bowl of berries, with a few mint leaves stuck in it.

    What Kind of Mint Should I Use?

    You can't have a berry mint julep without the mint. The most common mint used is spearmint. This is the mint that you usually see at the grocery store, so it is readily available.

    Mint is also a great herb to plant in your garden, as it is very hardy! Just get ready, because it spreads and can take over a garden!

    Some gardeners recommend planting in a basket so that it doesn't interfere with your other plants. But honestly, I don't have a green thumb so it is kind of nice to have at least one thing growing rapidly!

    Here's a great guide on how to grow mint and other produce in your own backyard!

    Close up of mint leaves.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use a different alcohol than bourbon?

    While it wouldn't be a mint julep without the bourbon, you can certainly use a different kind of alcohol. Using rum would turn this into a mojito. Vodka would work well with these ingredients also.

    Can I make a virgin mint julep?

    Replace the bourbon with ginger ale for a refreshing virgin julep.

    How do I make simple syrup?

    There is a reason it is called simple syrup. Because it is so simple! Put a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water into a small pan. (I usually do ½ cup of each.) Turn your heat to medium and bring the water to a boil. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, and cool. Simple syrup will keep in your refrigerator for 30 days.

    Recipe

    Strawberry mint julep with a whisp of mint on side.

    Berry Mint Julep

    Recipe by: Erin
    This refreshing cocktail is perfect for your Kentucky Derby party, or any time you want to relax.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 238 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup berries
    • 4-5 mint leaves
    • ½ ounce simple syrup
    • 2 ½ ounces bourbon whiskey
    • Crushed ice
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    Instructions
     

    • Place the berries, mint leaves, and simple syrup in a julep cup. Muddle until the fruit is broken up.
    • Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice.
    • Add the bourbon and stir until the glass becomes frosty.
    • Top with remaining ice and garnish.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 188IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share a photo of your creation with your friends!Mention @stateofdinner or tag #stateofdinner!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elizabeth

      June 23, 2021 at 6:46 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite drinks! Perfect for summer!

      Reply
      • Erin

        June 23, 2021 at 8:25 am

        It really is a refreshing drink, isn't it?

        Reply

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    Photo of Erin Gierhart

    Welcome! I'm Erin, wife, mom, and lover of great food. I've been cooking and baking for over half my life, including 7 years teaching cooking demonstrations. I have even sold baked goods, from homemade bread to wedding cakes! Somewhere between my kitchen disasters and extraordinary creations I learned a few things about what it takes to make a great dish. And I am excited to share those learnings and mouthwatering recipes with you!

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