Cherry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always loved a classic mint julep, but honestly, adding ripe cherries just takes it to a whole new level. A cherry mint julep brings together that cool minty kick with the sweet-tart pop of cherries, making for a cocktail that’s both simple and seriously flavorful.

It’s not fussy, either—you don’t need any weird gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients.

When I make this, I’m really just aiming to balance out the cherry’s sweetness with the brightness of fresh mint. Crushed ice keeps it chilly and lets all the flavors meld together in a way that’s just… well, refreshing.

You could sip this on a sunny afternoon, or maybe serve it at a little get-together if you want something a bit different.

This recipe sticks pretty close to the classic julep, but with that fruity twist from the cherries. It pairs surprisingly well with bourbon, too.

Cherry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

I usually reach for this drink when I’m craving something cooling but still want a little sweetness. There’s just something about fresh cherries, mint, and bourbon that hits the spot on warm days—or honestly, any time you’ve got friends over.

Equipment

• Muddler – helps gently crush cherries and mint leaves to bring out their flavors.
• Mixing glass – for combining everything before you serve.
• Bar spoon – so you can stir without watering it down too much.
• Jigger – makes measuring the bourbon, cherry juice, and syrup easy.
• Strainer – keeps the chunky bits out of your glass.
• Rocks glass or julep cup – for serving, of course.
• Ice crusher or mallet – you’ll want good crushed ice.
• Small knife and cutting board – for pitting and slicing up those cherries.

Ingredients

• 8–10 fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 6–8 fresh mint leaves
• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cherry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Crushed ice (enough to fill the cup)
• Mint sprig for garnish
• 1 maraschino cherry for garnish

Fresh cherries are my go-to for the best flavor, but frozen ones work if that’s all you can find. Adjust the simple syrup to your taste, especially if your cherries or juice are already sweet.

Instructions

• Toss the fresh cherries and mint leaves into your mixing glass.
• Use the muddler to gently press them—just enough to get the juice out and release the mint’s aroma.
• Add the bourbon, cherry juice, and simple syrup.
• Fill the glass about halfway with crushed ice.
• Stir gently with the bar spoon for around 15 seconds.
• Top off your serving glass or julep cup with crushed ice.
• Strain the mixture over the ice.
• Finish it off with a mint sprig and a maraschino cherry.

Notes

I try not to over-muddle the mint because, honestly, it can make things taste a bit bitter. Just a light press is all you need.

Craving more cherry flavor? Add another 0.5 oz of cherry juice or muddle a couple extra cherries.

If you want something a little lighter, drop the bourbon to 1.5 oz and splash in some cold water before you stir.

Crushed ice is kind of key here—it chills the drink fast and gives just the right amount of dilution so everything blends together nicely.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the cool freshness of the mint hits me right away. It’s crisp and light—kind of wakes up the senses—balancing out the sweetness from the cherries.

The cherry flavor, honestly, is gentle but clear. There’s this soft fruitiness that just sort of weaves itself into the bourbon’s warm, slightly oaky thing.

I do pick up a mild sweetness, but thankfully, it’s not heavy at all. The crushed ice keeps everything cold and, as it melts, kind of softens the flavors with each sip.

There’s also something about the mint leaves—they bring this light herbal aroma. I catch that scent even before tasting, and it somehow makes every sip feel extra fresh.