Come spring, cocktails should always be made with seasonal fresh fruit in my opinion. It’s the best way to enjoy a cocktail and the weather. And if you have plans to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, this is a fun spin on a classic mint julep to try. Simple ingredients, in-season fruit, and the freshness of mint come together for the perfect cocktail this spring.
Mixed Berry Mint Julep Recipe
To make this mixed berry mint julep recipe, you just need your favorite berries. I really love a mi of blackberry and strawberries, but you can also add in blueberries if you want. And raspberries work too! Any mint julep is going to have a little bit of sugar to sweeten it. But not a lot. You can go wild here and make your own homemade simple syrup. And you can take it a step further and even make a mint infused simple syrup.
I really love a mint simple syrup for cocktails and also my morning coffee (it’s a great compliment to the coffee and cream). I’ve even used mint simple syrups to make my watermelon and mint lemonade or even this delicious peach smash cocktail. And another favorite, a pomegranate mint margarita! There are endless uses for it from your morning coffee, lemonades, cocktails and even your evening cup of tea!
Now let’s get into how to make a mixed berry mint julep cocktail!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon, I go for Old Forester
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (get my mint simple syrup recipe here)
- Handful of mixed berries
- A few fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Mint for garnish
Method
Step One
Add your fruit, mint and simple syrup or a sprinkle of sugar, to a glass and muddle. Break up the fruit quite a bit so that it mixes well into the julep.
Step Two
Add your bourbon and then your crushed ice to the glass. Then mix with a spoon.
Step Three
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a strawberry on the rim. Add a straw and enjoy.