Mint Julep Lemonades are a refreshing twist on the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail. This drink combines the cool taste of mint with the tangy zip of lemonade. It’s a perfect choice for hot summer days or festive gatherings.

The recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. Bourbon whiskey gives the drink its signature kick, while fresh mint leaves add a cool, herbal note. Sweet and tart lemonade balances out the flavors.

This cocktail is great for parties or backyard barbecues. It can be made in large batches ahead of time. Guests will enjoy its crisp taste and pretty presentation with mint sprigs and lemon slices as garnish.

Mint Julep Lemonades Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing drink combines classic mint julep flavors with tangy lemonade. It’s perfect for hot summer days or Kentucky Derby parties.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
8-10 fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Club soda
Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish

Use good quality bourbon for the best flavor. Also, fresh lemon juice tastes better than bottled. Lastly, simple syrup is easy to make at home by mixing equal parts sugar and hot water.

Instructions

Put mint leaves in the shaker and muddle gently.
Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Fill shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
Strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
Top with a splash of club soda.

Garnish with a lemon slice and mint sprig.

Muddling the mint releases its oils. Meanwhile, shaking with ice chills and dilutes the drink slightly. Lastly, the club soda adds a light fizz.

Notes

This recipe makes one cocktail. You can easily scale it up for a crowd. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with more lemon juice and club soda.

Store any leftover simple syrup in the fridge for up to a month. You can also make a mint simple syrup by adding mint leaves while the syrup cooks.

Try different bourbon brands to find your favorite. Some people prefer a sweeter bourbon, while others like a spicier one.

Tasting Notes

The Mint Julep Lemonade cocktail offers a refreshing blend of flavors. The drink’s taste profile combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of sugar and the cool bite of mint.

On the first sip, the tangy lemon hits the taste buds. This citrus flavor is bright and zesty, providing a crisp start to the drink.

Next, the sweetness of the simple syrup balances out the lemon’s sharpness. This sugar element adds a smooth, mellow quality to the cocktail.

The mint flavor comes through as a cool, fresh note. It lingers on the palate, giving the drink a clean, invigorating finish.

The bourbon adds depth and warmth to the mix. Its oaky, slightly spicy taste complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.

When served over crushed ice, the drink becomes extra chilled and slightly diluted. This makes for an easy-drinking cocktail perfect for hot summer days.

The texture of the Mint Julep Lemonade is light and fizzy if topped with soda water. Without soda, it has a smoother, more syrupy consistency.

Overall, this cocktail strikes a good balance between sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. It’s a lively twist on the classic Mint Julep that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

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Substitute

Mint Julep Lemonades can be tweaked with different ingredients. Vodka works well instead of bourbon for a lighter taste. Rum adds a tropical twist. Gin gives a botanical flavor.

For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. This makes a refreshing mocktail anyone can enjoy.

Swap out the mint for other herbs like basil or rosemary. These create new flavor profiles while keeping the drink’s essence.

Sugar alternatives like honey or agave nectar can replace simple syrup. These natural sweeteners add unique tastes to the cocktail.

Try different citrus juices. Lime or grapefruit juice offer tart alternatives to lemon. Orange juice makes the drink sweeter.

Garnish options beyond mint leaves include lemon wheels, berries, or edible flowers. These add visual appeal and subtle flavors.

Experimenting with substitutes lets you customize the Mint Julep Lemonade to your liking. It’s fun to try new combinations and find your favorite version.

Mint Julep Lemonades Cocktail Recipe