Strawberry Mint Julep

The Kentucky Derby is one of my favorite events of the year. I mean what’s not to love?! An excuse to put on a pretty spring dress and a wide brim hat and sip on some cocktails is always alright with me. Brian and I usually head to a local Derby party, but I wanted to share a fun spin on the classic Mint Julep in case you’re having a Derby shindig of your own. This delicious cocktail will definitely get you and your company in the spirit of Churchill Downs!

Strawberries and mint make for such a delicious combination, so strawberries are the first ingredient that came to mind when thinking about how to elevate this classic southern drink. The sweetness from the Mint Simple Syrup really elevates the tastiness of the strawberries. I prefer to add the mint element in the form of a syrup since I’m not a huge fan of sucking little bits of mint up through my straw. It’s a personal preference that I think works really well for combining the essence of the mint and strawberries.

The mention of mint juleps in literature dates all the way back to 1784. This tasty drink originated in the South and was known to be a drink of the wealthy (since ice was not readily available and the traditional silver cups in which it was served were pretty fancy).

I sincerely hope you all enjoy this delicious spring cocktail! It’s super easy to make and adds a fun flair to a classic drink of the American South!

Strawberry Mint Julep (recipe makes 1 cocktail)

Ingredients:

Mint Simple Syrup-

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup fresh mint leaves

Cocktail-

3 strawberries plus more for garnish
1 oz Mint Simple Syrup
Crushed ice
2 oz Bourbon whiskey (I like Bulleit Bourbon)
Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. To make Mint Simple Syrup, stir sugar and water in small saucepan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat, add fresh mint and give it a stir. Allow to cool to room temperature then strain. (Simple syrup can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 month).

2. Muddle strawberries with Mint Simple Syrup in a Mint Julep Cup (how cute is this hammered finished set!?)

3. Fill cup halfway with crushed ice and stir mixture. Then add Bourbon, fill remainder of cup with ice and stir once more.

4. Garnish with halved strawberries and mint leaves. Enjoy!