Mixed Berry Mint Julep

Sip on a Mixed Berry Mint Julep during this year’s Kentucky Derby or any time you’re craving a refreshing cocktail! Blueberries, blackberries and strawberries add a pop of color and berry flavor to the classic bourbon drink.

When I made this Mixed Berry Mint Julep it was my first time making and drinking a mint julep. I don’t think I’ve ever shared a themed recipe for the Kentucky Derby, but it happens to be this Saturday which is the same day as our Cuatro de Mayo party. Is it a bad idea that I plan to serve these and margaritas? I know mixing alcohol can be risky, but how can I not make a both?!

Traditionally a mint julep is made with bourbon, mint leaves, simple syrup and crushed ice. Here’s a classic mint julep recipe if you’re interested in trying that. Since berries are coming into season and they go well with both bourbon and mint, I decided to add them in. I saw lots of recipes for blackberry mint juleps and blueberry mint juleps.

However, I decided to go with the trifecta. Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries! Of course use whatever berries look best at your store so that the flavor is good. 

Along with the addition of the berries I also decided to infuse my simple syrup with fresh mint. To do that all you need to do is bring equal parts water and sugar to a slow boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once that happens remove it from the heat and toss in a few sprigs of mint. Let it infuse for at least 10 minutes, then remove the mint and let the syrup cool completely. It will keep in the refrigerator for about a month.

Mint juleps traditionally used crushed ice and of course our refrigerator ice machine only makes cubes. I didn’t have time or space in my freezer to go buy a bag at the store so that’s why you see the cubes in the photos. They work just fine too. 

To make a Mixed Berry Mint Julep, grab a low ball cocktail glass, add in the berries, mint leaves and simple syrup. Use a muddler or the end of the handle on a wooden spoon to mash everything together. Pour in the bourbon, give it a stir and top with ice. It’s as easy as that and a great cocktail to sip while watching the Kentucky Derby!

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Yield: 1 Drink

Mixed Berry Mint Julep

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Sip on a Mixed Berry Mint Julep during this year's Kentucky Derby or any time you're craving a refreshing bourbon cocktail!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

Mint Simple Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4-5 sprigs of mint

Mixed Berry Mint Julep

• 1/4 cup berries
• 4 mint leaves
• 1/2 ounce mint simple syrup
• 2 ounces bourbon

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat bring the sugar and water to a boil. Once boiling stir in the mint leaves and reduce the heat to a simmer. Once the sugar has dissolved remove from the heat and cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
2. In a low ball or old fashioned glass add the berries, mint leaves and mint simple syrup. Use a muddler or end of a wooden spoon to mash the berries and release the oils from the mint. Add in the bourbon and either crushed or cubed ice. Stir well and garnish with a sprig of mint and extra berries.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 4gSugar: 9gProtein: 2g