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Home » Recipes » Beverages

Published: May 1, 2022 · Modified: May 18, 2022 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Sweet Tea Mint Julep

Jump to Recipe
A sweet tea mint julep on a silver tray with a pitcher behind it and text overlay on top of the image.
A sweet tea mint julep on a silver tray with a pitcher behind it and text overlay on top of the image.

For the most refreshing bourbon cocktail, it doesn’t get better than this sweet tea mint julep! Classic Southern sweet tea is muddled with fresh mint and mixed with bourbon to make a picnic-perfect drink that's always a crowd pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating the Kentucky Derby, Father's Day or just need a cooling sipper for a night on the patio, this sweet tea bourbon cocktail is great for either occasion.

Looking down on two sweet tea mint juleps with tea bags in front and lemon and mint sprigs around them.
Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Expert Tips
  • Perfect Pairing
  • Get More Bourbon Cocktails
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Puts an extra festive spin on a classic Southern cocktail: It’s not a Kentucky Derby party without a mint julep in hand, but adding a unique touch to this traditional drink always makes for a more memorable signature cocktail. With the addition of the sweet tea, you won’t find a more authentically Southern cocktail for the occasion.

Makes for easy entertaining: Not only can you prepare this sweet tea mint julep ahead of time, but you can make it in a large-batch pitcher. This keeps your bartending duties to a minimum, so you can spend your time enjoying good company.

Gives bourbon a refreshing warm-weather makeover: If you love my chai old fashioned or sparkling apple cider-bourbon cocktail, you might think of bourbon as more of a fall and winter drink, but this sweet tea mint julep proves bourbon deserves its place among the margaritas and mojitos of the world as a refreshing warm-weather cocktail. When you’re in the mood for something different on a hot day, make a batch of some sweet tea juleps.

Bonus: For more Derby Day cocktails, you’ll also love my brown sugar-peach mint julep and strawberry mint julep.

Ingredients

The ingredients with black and white labels on a light-colored wooden surface.

Bourbon: For a proper mint julep, make sure you use bourbon, not just any whiskey. Bourbon is distinctive from the rest of the whiskey family in its majority corn makeup and oak barrel aging. These elements make bourbon the sweetest of the whiskey family with vanilla and caramel notes. It’s just not a julep without bourbon.

Sweet tea: While you can certainly use store-bought sweet tea, we’ll walk through how to make our own. In addition to tasting fresher, this allows you to control just how sweet you make your tea.

Fresh mint: Make sure you have extra on hand for a garnish. While garnishes are typically optional for a lot of drinks, it’s a must for a mint julep. With every sip, you get a delightful whiff of fresh mint that’s absolutely part of the drinking experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Sweet Tea

Step 1: We start by adding some sugar to a large pitcher and setting it aside with some tea bags ready to go (photo 1).

Sugar in a clear pitcher with a wooden spoon and tea bags to the side.

Step 2: In a tea kettle, we bring water to a boil. Once the tea kettle starts ringing, we add the water to the sugar and give it a quick stir to dissolve the sugar (photo 2). This won’t take much effort since the water is so hot.

Stirring the sugar and hot water with a wooden spoon in a clear pitcher.

Step 3: Now we drop in the tea bags and let the tea steep (photo 3). I prefer to use family-size tea bags for ice tea, but individual bags work as well. Once it steeps, we pour in some cold water, and then we’re ready to make the rest of our mint julep iced tea.

The tea steeping with two family-size tea bags in a clear pitcher.

How to Make the Drink

Step 4: From here, we add fresh mint leaves to the serving cup, pour in the bourbon and muddle the mint leaves (photo 4).

Muddling the bourbon and mint leaves in a silver pewter glass on a wooden surface.

Step 5: For our next step, we add the prepared sweet tea mixture and fill the julep cup halfway with crushed ice. Save the cubes ice for an old fashioned. Now we give it a stir to chill and melt some of the ice for dilution, and then fill the cup with more ice, making a mound on top (photos 5-7).

A collage showing the process of adding the ice and stirring the sweet tea mint julep.

Step 6: Before garnishing, we place a fresh mint sprig in the palm of our hand and quickly clap over it to release its fragrance (photo 8). We nestle the mint into the ice mound and add a lemon wedge or wheel. That way, if your guests love lemon juice with their sweet tea, they can squeeze it right into the glass.

A fresh mint sprig in the palm of a hand before clapping and then garnishing.

Now grab your Derby hat and a seat outside and happily sip away!

Note: As promised, you can certainly make this perfect Southern cocktail as a pitcher instead of individual cocktails. Please see the recipe card for more detailed instructions on the pitcher version.

Recipe FAQs

What are family-size tea bags?

A family-size tea bag is specially made for larger batches. One family-size tea bag typically makes 1 quart of tea while an individual tea bag makes 1 cup. This makes for a more efficient way to batch tea, allows you to cut down on waste and save those individual bags for a time when you simply want a cup of tea.

What’s the proper glassware for mint juleps?

Mint juleps are traditionally served in pewter cups. These cups are specifically designed for you to hold on the bottom or the top of the glass, allowing for a frost to form on the outside. As you can imagine, this keeps our julep icy cold on summer’s most blazing days.

If you don’t have a pewter cup, don’t let this stop you from enjoying a refreshing mint julep. Use an old fashioned glass instead.

Why is my mint julep bitter?

Overworking the mint can lead to a bitter flavor, so we want to be gentle when muddling. It doesn’t take a lot of force to extract the mint flavor. Just a few twists will do the trick.

A close-up shot of a sweet tea mint julep on a silver platter with mint sprigs around it.

Expert Tips

Don’t let tea steep too long. Otherwise, it can turn bitter. Five to 10 minutes is all you need.

Get everyone’s favorite crushed ice from Sonic. While you can use your own crushed ice, Sonic sells its famous crushed ice in 10-pound bags for a few dollars, so you’re sure to have enough ice on hand. And if you don’t go through it all in this round, save some to use with my Painkiller cocktail.

Add a fruity variation. Mint juleps are wonderful with fruit. Muddle ¼ cup of fresh fruit in the cup and then add the mint on top and lightly muddle. Peaches, berries and cherries are all delightful. You can also use an infused bourbon -- my cherry-infused bourbon or orange-vanilla bourbon would make for delicious additions.

Serve with a metal straw. With all the crushed ice, mint juleps are best enjoyed with a straw. A metal straw holds up well unlike paper straws, and they’re eco friendly.

Perfect Pairing

I love sipping on this ice tea mint julep with a light appetizer, and this whipped ricotta dip is perfect. This dip features a squeeze of fresh lemon, which nicely complements the tea and adds a brightness to the rich bourbon, and the dip’s herbs are lovely with the mint.

If you’re looking for a sweet option, my coconut sugar cookies are perfect. The oak barrel lends vanilla, caramel and even coconut notes to the bourbon, making for just the right match. Plus, mint and coconut are wonderful together. 

For the perfect Kentucky Derby cocktail on a warm day, you will adore every sip of this sweet tea mint julep. It’s your perfect spring and summer bourbon cocktail. 

Cheers!

Looking down on two sweet tea mint juleps with crushed ice around them on a silver platter.

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If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

📖 Recipe

Two sweet tea mint julep cocktails with tea bags in front of them and a pitcher of tea in the background.

Sweet Tea Mint Julep

For the most refreshing bourbon cocktail, it doesn’t get better than this sweet tea mint julep! Classic Southern sweet tea is muddled with fresh mint and mixed with bourbon to make a picnic-perfect drink that's always a crowd pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating the Kentucky Derby or just need a cooling sipper for a night on the patio, this sweet tea bourbon cocktail is great for either occasion.
5 from 50 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 213kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

  • Jigger or small measuring cup
  • Julep cup
  • Muddler
  • Bar spoon
  • Metal straw

Ingredients

  • 8-10 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 4 ounces sweet tea store-bought or homemade (see notes for homemade directions)
  • Crushed ice
  • Fresh mint sprig for garnish
  • Lemon wheel or slice for garnish

Instructions

  • Add mint leaves and bourbon to a julep cup. Muddle to release the mint oil.
  • Pour in the sweet tea and fill the glass halfway with crushed ice. Stir to chill and melt some of the ice. Fill the rest of the glass with more crushed ice, forming a mound at the top.
  • Place a mint sprig in the palm of your hand. Quickly clap over the mint with the other hand to release its fragrance. Garnish with the mint and lemon. Serving with a straw is recommended. Enjoy!

Notes

Sweet tea directions: Add ½ cup sugar to a pitcher and set aside one family-size or four individual-size tea bags. Boil 2 cups water in a tea kettle. Pour the boiling water into the pitcher with the sugar and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the tea bags and steep for five to 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and taste. If you'd like a sweeter tea, add more sugar to taste (though I find ½ cup sugar is plenty). Pour in 2 cups of cold water. Store in the refrigerator.
Eight-serving pitcher directions: Add the leaves of about eight to 10 full mint sprigs (not just the leaves) to a pitcher. Measure 2 cups bourbon and pour in about ½ cup. Muddle the mint in the bourbon and then pour in the rest of the bourbon. (Alternatively, if you plan to make your own tea, you can add the mint sprigs to the sugar, and the hot water will extract the mint flavor on its own without mudding.) Pour in 1 quart of sweet tea. Store in the refrigerator. 
  • Don’t let tea steep too long. Otherwise, it can turn bitter. Five to 10 minutes is all you need.
  • You want crushed ice, not cubed ice, for a mint julep. The ice melts over time to make it extra refreshing. You can buy a large bag of crushed ice from Sonic, which is great for parties. 
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 141mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 340IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Tammy says

    May 15, 2022 at 3:06 pm

    5 stars
    Juleps are my favorite summertime cocktail. I loved this sweet yet refreshing version. Beautifully photographed too!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 15, 2022 at 5:46 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  2. Ann says

    May 15, 2022 at 8:58 am

    5 stars
    I love mint julep, not matter what the time of year. I have never had a sweet tea one before, and it was so good. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 15, 2022 at 5:45 pm

      You're very welcome!

      Reply
  3. Leslie says

    May 14, 2022 at 7:30 am

    5 stars
    I love this sweet tea mint julep, it just screams summer! This is such a refreshing and fun drink recipe!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 15, 2022 at 5:45 pm

      So happy you enjoyed it, Leslie!

      Reply
  4. Kathryn says

    May 13, 2022 at 8:49 am

    5 stars
    Oh my yum!! This sweet tea mint julep is such a delicious cocktail! I'll be making this all summer long and I love how refreshing it is! Thanks for another perfect cocktail recipe, Amanda!

    Reply
  5. Dennis says

    May 12, 2022 at 6:45 am

    5 stars
    I made your sweet tea juleps for my wife's book club and they loved them!! Everyone asked for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 12, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      So, so happy to hear that -- cheers!

      Reply
  6. Jenny says

    May 12, 2022 at 6:39 am

    5 stars
    Are you making me mix my sweet tea with bourbon? Ok, I’m in. It was so good! Perfect with the mint. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 12, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      You're very welcome!

      Reply
  7. Andrea says

    May 11, 2022 at 12:40 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! I have been looking for ways to use the mint in my garden, and this was perfect. Loved it with the bourbon.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 12, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      I'll cheers to that!

      Reply
  8. Natalie says

    May 10, 2022 at 2:47 am

    5 stars
    This sweet tea bourbon cocktail is awesome. My friends couldn't get enough of it. I will need to make more next time, lol.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 11, 2022 at 6:50 am

      Love hearing that -- thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  9. Bernice says

    May 09, 2022 at 2:28 pm

    5 stars
    Now this is a stunning cocktail and was so tasty. Love those sweet tea flavors. Can't wait to make it again when we have some deck time in the sun.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 11, 2022 at 6:50 am

      I'm with you -- definitely plan on drinking this plenty over the summer.

      Reply
  10. Sean says

    May 09, 2022 at 11:28 am

    5 stars
    This is a classic recipe. I love to brew both mint and black teas together so I get more of a mint infusion. This is a delightful drink!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 11, 2022 at 6:49 am

      So happy you loved it! Mint and sweet tea were made for each other.

      Reply
  11. Kerri says

    May 05, 2022 at 8:43 am

    5 stars
    What a fun twist on a classic! The sweet tea with bourbon sure was tasty. This is going to be my new go-to drink for summer!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 05, 2022 at 10:10 am

      So glad you love it! It really will be perfect for the summer.

      Reply
  12. Dannii says

    May 05, 2022 at 8:39 am

    5 stars
    This was so delicious and refreshing. I am having the girls over for lunch next week and I am going to make this again.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 05, 2022 at 10:08 am

      Hope they also enjoy!

      Reply
  13. Beth says

    May 05, 2022 at 8:12 am

    5 stars
    Mint julep is one of my absolute favorite things in the world. I'll be drinking this all summer long!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 05, 2022 at 10:07 am

      You and me both!

      Reply
  14. Toni says

    May 05, 2022 at 7:59 am

    5 stars
    This is really an amazing drink! My husband enjoyed it too!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 05, 2022 at 10:07 am

      Glad it was a hit for your both!

      Reply
  15. Sisley White - Sew White says

    May 05, 2022 at 7:46 am

    5 stars
    You can't beat a mint julep in my mind. They are so delicious and fresh.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 05, 2022 at 9:59 am

      For sure! One of my favorite types of bourbon cocktails.

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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