Whether you’re celebrating Derby Day or simply looking for a refreshing cocktail, this strawberry mint julep is perfect for the occasion. Made with fresh strawberries and mint leaves, this mint julep has just the right sweetness to balance the bourbon for your perfect patio cocktail.
You know what’s funny? I didn’t used to like bourbon cocktails. Given my various bourbon recipes, like the popular orange-vanilla bean-infused bourbon or my cherry bourbon smash, you probably wouldn’t have guessed it, but it’s true.
Bourbon used to make my face contort. We were not friends. And then it started to change when I tried Bourbon County Brand Stout and instantly fell in love. From there, I started trying other bourbon barrel-aged beers. The style quickly became my favorite, and I thought I had finally developed a taste for bourbon.
Once Derby Day came around, I thought I'd give a mint julep a try. Nope, still not my thing. But I kept drinking my bourbon barrel-aged beers. For whatever reason, I still loved those, but bourbon cocktails weren't doing it for me. But I kept trying. A couple years later, I ordered a blueberry bourbon smash at this great cocktail bar in Denver. In that moment, my love for bourbon cocktails was born, and I never looked back.
If you’re like my former self and find bourbon too strong, adding a little fruit goes a long way in making a smoother drink. That's exactly what the strawberries do in this strawberry mint julep.
Of course, using a high-quality bourbon also helps. I have to wonder if I was just trying terrible bourbon in my younger and dumber years, but regardless, a little fruit still smooths out bourbon with its extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rather than making a mint julep in a cocktail shaker, it’s generally made in the serving cup. A silver high ball cup is traditional, but an old fashioned glass also works fine. Just be cautious when muddling in a glass. That said, if the glass is delicate, you can always muddle in a cocktail shaker and then pour the muddled concoction into the glass to finish.
We start by muddling together a strawberry, simple syrup and lots of fresh mint leaves. This turns the strawberry into almost a chunky syrup, so we want to really work the strawberry to break it down.
Now we add the bourbon along with a little crushed ice and quickly stir to chill the mixture. From here, we add another scoop of crushed ice and shape the top of the ice into a mound.
Crushed ice is important here. Not only does it chill the strawberry mint julep better but the ice melts and mixes with the cocktail for an extra refreshing sipper. Unlike your old-fashioned, we want some melting action. And, yes, it’s a lot of ice, but that’s how your traditional mint julep is served.
To garnish our strawberry mint julep, we put a bundle of fresh mint into the palm of one hand and then clap our other hand on top of the mint. This releases the oils and gives you the most fragrant garnish.
With all the ice, some prefer to drink this fruity mint julep with a paper or metal straw, but you can also sip without one. Your call. Now sit back and enjoy.
Perfect Pairing
Given that this is a perfect spring and summer cocktail, I like pairing this strawberry mint julep with something light and grilled. Try grilled shrimp kabobs with a green goddess dipping sauce. The caramelization on the shrimp from the grill nicely matches the bourbon, and the mint melds perfectly with the medley of herbs in the green goddess sauce.
Whether you need a cocktail to celebrate Derby Day or just enjoy patio weather with a fun seasonal sipper, I hope you try this strawberry mint julep. Please let me know how you enjoyed this strawberry mint julep recipe in the comment section and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
Cheers!
Thirsty for More Bourbon Cocktails?
- Bourbon cherry limeade
- Gingered bourbon-apple cider cocktail
- Cherry-infused bourbon
- Blueberry bourbon smash
Strawberry Mint Julep
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Whether you’re celebrating Derby Day or simply looking for a refreshing cocktail, this strawberry mint julep is perfect for the occasion. Made with fresh strawberries and mint leaves, this mint julep has just the right sweetness to balance the bourbon for your perfect patio cocktail.
Ingredients
8-10 fresh mint leaves
1 strawberry, halved, top removed
1 ounce simple syrup, homemade or store-bought (see note)
2 ounces bourbon
Crushed ice
1-2 mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- In a high ball or old fashioned glass, muddle the mint leaves, strawberry and simple syrup until the strawberry is well mashed.
- Pour in bourbon. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice and stir to chill. Add more crushed ice and form a mound on the top of the glass like a snow cone.
- Place the mint leaves for garnish in one palm. Clap your other palm on top of the mint leaves to release their oils and fragrance. Stick the sprigs into the mound of ice. If desired, serve with a straw. Enjoy!
Notes
- To make the simple syrup, simmer the 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar. As soon as the sugar dissolves, remove from heat. Allow to cool and store chilled.
- If you prefer a less sweet mint julep, you may want to use only ½ ounce of simple syrup.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 43
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: mint julep, strawberry mint julep
Strawberry mint is such a great combo, plus, this cocktail look so beautiful! Great for the upcoming other's Day celebration!
★★★★★
Thanks so much, Nicoletta!
I have tons of mint in the garden and now I know what to make with it! I love the combination of flavors. Can't wait to try this!
★★★★★
Sounds like a good way to put that mint to use!
I know nothing about making drinks. Actually, probably less than nothing. I love how you break this down to make it easy for people like me 🙂
★★★★★
I bet you'll find it easier than you think! I hope you give it a try and let me know if you have any questions. ?
Juleps are one of my favorites! This cocktail looks like summer parties and evenings out . I will have to try the strawberry addition !
★★★★★
I hope you love it!
I know what is gonna be our new favorite summer cocktail! The hardest part for my hubby will be which bourbon to use! ?
★★★★★
Sounds like a good excuse to make a few rounds!
I can’t wait to be sipping on one of these on my back patio this summer. Fresh mint and strawberry make a great combo.
★★★★★
They most certainly do! I'm sure you'll love this cocktail.
This sounds perfect for summer. So refreshing and sweet. I love the addition of bourbon. It's beautifully decorated too. I can't wait to make this!
★★★★★
Thanks, Natalie! Hope you love it.
I've had Mint Juleps before and loved them but I think the addition of strawberries would make them even better! Fresh fruit just makes everything taste so much better.
★★★★★
Totally agree! I think you'll love this variation.
We are celebrating Derby Day today and this sounds like my kind mint julep! Especially since the event falls in prime time berry season! They're perfect for mashing and AWESOME with mint!
★★★★★
I just love the strawberry addition -- hope you got to try it!
I see me sipping on these in my near future! They would make a great drink on my back patio this summer.
★★★★★
Totally! Great summer sipper.
Wishing I had a glass of this in hand right now. I am going to be making these this weekend and I cannot wait!
★★★★★
Sweet! Good way to celebrate Derby Day. Hope you enjoy!
I love how you described your honest attempts at liking bourbon. Looks like your patience paid off eventually 😀 And speaking of bourbon barrel-aged beer, that stout you mention sounds delish. Never had a chance to try such an interesting beer, but I like the idea of it. Must taste wonderful. I wonder if I'd be able to find anything like that in Europe...
★★★★★
It finally did! I find it so interesting how our palates evolve, so I'm always willing to keep trying. Mikkeller might be a good option for Europe as far as bourbon barrel-aged stouts. The founder is Danish, and he distributes all over the world. He brews some delicious imperial stouts, and I've seen some varieties that were barrel aged. Hope you can track it down!
I've gotten adventurous lately and been trying some bourbon cocktails - a mint julep hasn't been my thing but I'm thinking what has been missing is strawberries! Yes...can't wait to try this!
★★★★★
I hope you like the strawberry addition! I think it adds a nice touch.