Limoncello Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

A classic mint julep is smooth and cool, but sometimes I just want to shake things up a bit. Blending sweet limoncello with crisp mint gives this cocktail a citrusy lift that’s light and bright, but you still get that bourbon backbone.

Honestly, this limoncello mint julep is my go-to when I’m craving something refreshing for a warm afternoon. It’s also perfect for easy summer hangouts—no need to fuss.

I love how the lemon flavor and cool mint balance each other out. It’s simple to throw together, and you don’t need any fancy bar gear or weird ingredients.

That combo of bourbon, limoncello, and mint? It’s what makes this drink stand out from the usual summer cocktails.

You’ll find the recipe below, with each step laid out, plus some tasting notes so you know what to expect. If you’re already a limoncello fan or just in the mood for something new, this one’s easy to master.

Limoncello Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

I make this whenever I want something that’s bright, but still smooth and not too heavy. The bourbon, limoncello, and fresh mint just work together—sweet, citrusy, herbal, all in one sip.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker for mixing up the limoncello, bourbon, and lime juice.
• Muddler to press the mint leaves and get those oils out.
• Bar spoon for stirring, if you feel like it.
• Jigger so you can actually measure the booze and syrup.
• Strainer to keep stray mint bits out of your glass.
• Rocks glass or julep cup—either works, honestly.
• Ice crusher or mallet for that perfect crushed ice texture.
• Small knife and cutting board for slicing up lime wedges or prepping a mint garnish.

I’ll admit, the julep cup keeps things colder, but a sturdy rocks glass totally does the job. And don’t skip the muddler—mint needs a gentle press, not a brutal smash.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz limoncello
• ½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
• ½ oz simple syrup or mint syrup
• 6–8 fresh mint leaves (spearmint’s my favorite)
• Crushed ice to fill the glass
• Optional: splash of club soda or sparkling water
• Fresh mint sprig for garnish
• Small pinch of fine sugar (if you want it a bit sweeter)

Spearmint’s got a softer vibe than peppermint, so I stick with that. If I use mint syrup instead of plain simple, I just use fewer leaves—otherwise, the mint can take over.

Instructions

• Drop the mint leaves in the bottom of your shaker.
• Add the simple syrup and gently muddle—don’t go wild.
• Pour in the bourbon, limoncello, and lime juice.
• Fill the shaker with ice and give it a quick shake, just until it’s chilled.
• Strain into a julep cup or rocks glass packed with crushed ice.
• If you want, top with a splash of club soda or sparkling water.
• Give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
• Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and maybe a lime wedge.

I usually taste before adding soda. Sometimes it’s just right as-is, but a little fizz can be nice on a hot day.

Notes

Don’t over-muddle the mint, or it gets bitter—just a few gentle presses is plenty.

If I want it sweeter, I’ll toss in a pinch of fine sugar with the syrup. For less sweetness, I’ll cut the syrup in half and let the limoncello do the work.

Crushed ice is key here. Big cubes just don’t mix in or give that frosty texture you want.

I like experimenting with different bourbons, too. A smoother one lets the lemon and mint shine, but if you want more punch, go for something spicier.

Tasting Notes

Right away, that first sip hits with a bright, lemony kick from the limoncello. There’s a gentle sweetness that plays off the cool mint, and honestly, it feels lighter than your usual Kentucky Derby julep.

It goes down smooth—refreshing, really. The mint hangs around on my tongue, and the citrus gives it this crisp finish that almost reminds me of a limoncello spritz, or maybe even a limoncello mojito.

If I stack it up against other limoncello cocktails, this one’s not as bubbly as a limoncello sunrise or something topped with prosecco. It comes across softer than a limoncello margarita too, probably because there’s none of that tequila bite.

I have to say, I appreciate how the flavors stay clean and pretty straightforward. That mix of sweet, tart, and herbal makes it something I’d want to sip slowly—no heaviness at all.