Blueberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

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Ever wanted a fresh spin on a classic cocktail? The Blueberry Mint Julep blends traditional bourbon with sweet blueberries and mint for a drink that screams summer.

All you need are five ingredients: bourbon, blueberries, mint leaves, simple syrup, and crushed ice.

The color alone—vivid purple-blue—makes this one stand out at parties or even a lazy afternoon hangout. Sweet blueberries round out the bourbon’s punch, while mint cools everything down.

Sure, the original mint julep is a Kentucky Derby staple, but honestly, this blueberry version fits any warm day, Derby or not.

Blueberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

Blueberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
This take on the mint julep adds blueberries for a pop of color and flavor. You get that familiar bourbon bite, but it’s softened by fruit and mint.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Julep cup or rocks glass
  • Muddler
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer (optional)
  • Ice crusher or Lewis bag with mallet (for crushed ice)
  • Small saucepan (for blueberry syrup)
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Small bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon whiskey
  • 1 oz blueberry syrup recipe below
  • 8-10 fresh mint leaves plus extra sprig for garnish
  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries plus extra for garnish
  • Crushed ice
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar optional

For blueberry syrup:

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Make blueberry syrup: In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer on medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the berries burst. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the solids. Cool it down completely.
  • Prepare your glass: Toss mint leaves and fresh blueberries into the bottom. If you’re using powdered sugar, add it now.
  • Muddle gently: Press down with a muddler (or spoon) to release mint oils and blueberry juice. Go easy—too much muddling makes the mint bitter.
  • Add bourbon and syrup: Pour in the bourbon and blueberry syrup.
  • Add ice: Fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill everything nicely.
  • Garnish: Top with a mound of more crushed ice, extra blueberries, and a mint sprig. Serve right away with a short straw

Notes

This cocktail’s best when the ice is fresh and the mint’s still perky. Make the blueberry syrup ahead—it’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Want it booze-free? Swap bourbon for ginger ale or lemonade. You could even use blackberries or raspberries instead of blueberries—no one’s stopping you.
The classic mint julep is the Kentucky Derby’s official drink, but honestly, this blueberry twist is a showstopper for summer parties, Memorial Day, or the Fourth of July. That purple-blue color is just begging for a celebration.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

A Blueberry Mint Julep is a little party in a glass. The first sip? You get that sweet-tart pop from the blueberries.

Mint comes in right after, cooling things down and balancing the sweetness. It lingers in a way that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Bourbon is the backbone here, bringing warmth and those caramel notes. Somehow, the oak and vanilla don’t overpower—they just play nice with the fruit.

Flavor Profile:

  • First impression: Sweet blueberry, a touch tart
  • Middle notes: Cool, herbal mint
  • Finish: Warm bourbon, faint oak
  • Aftertaste: Clean mint, blueberry echo

As the ice melts, flavors mellow out and blend together. Honestly, that slow dilution makes it even better.

The texture’s silky but super refreshing, thanks to all that crushed ice. Some folks might notice a little tannin from the blueberry skins, but it’s subtle.

Take your time with this drink. The flavors shift as you sip, and the mint aroma is brightest right at the start.

If you’re snacking, this cocktail pairs well with Southern appetizers like deviled eggs, grilled chicken or fish, or light desserts with lemon or vanilla. Not a bad lineup, right?

Substitutes

Can’t find blueberries for your mint julep? No worries—fresh blackberries or raspberries can step in.

These berries have a similar sweetness but bring their own twist. It’s fun to see how the flavor shifts.

No bourbon on hand? Grab rye whiskey if you want a bit more spice, or dark rum if you lean sweet.

Each spirit gives the cocktail a different vibe, and honestly, they’re all tasty in their own way.

If you’re skipping alcohol, swap in apple juice or strong black tea. You might want to splash in a bit of vanilla extract to get some of that bourbon warmth.

No fresh mint? Mint extract will do—just go easy, maybe two or three drops.

Basil leaves are surprisingly good too, offering their own herbal kick.

Out of simple syrup? Try one of these instead:

  • Honey (just thin it out with hot water first)
  • Maple syrup
  • Agave nectar

No mint sprigs for garnish? Lemon wheels, orange peels, or even edible flowers can make a drink look and smell great.

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Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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