Mint juleps are a classic Southern cocktail perfect for warm summer days. They blend bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint into a cool, refreshing drink. Making them from scratch can be time-consuming, but a mint julep mixer offers a quick and easy solution.
A good mint julep mixer combines simple syrup and mint flavoring in one bottle. This saves time and effort when mixing drinks. It eliminates the need to muddle fresh mint leaves or make simple syrup separately.
Mint julep mixers work well for parties or gatherings where you want to serve multiple drinks quickly. They also make it easy to enjoy a mint julep at home without stocking extra ingredients. With a mixer on hand, you’re just a splash of bourbon away from a tasty cocktail.
Mint Julep Mixer Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Glass bottle or jar for storage
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make about 4 cups of Mint Julep Mixer:
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves loosely packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups bourbon whiskey
Use high-quality bourbon for the best taste. Choose fresh, bright green mint leaves without any brown spots.
Instructions
- Rinse the mint leaves and pat them dry.
- In a large bowl, muddle the mint leaves with sugar until the leaves release their oils.
- Heat the water in a small pot until it just starts to simmer. Pour it over the mint and sugar mixture.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
- Add the bourbon to the mint syrup and stir well.
- Pour the mixer into a glass bottle or jar and refrigerate.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Mint Julep Mixer offers a refreshing blend of flavors. Sweet and minty notes are the first to hit the palate. The taste of bourbon follows, adding warmth and depth to the drink.
A cool, crisp sensation lingers on the tongue. The sweetness is balanced, not overpowering. Hints of citrus brighten the mix, cutting through the richness.
The texture is smooth and icy. It coats the mouth with a pleasant chill. The mint flavor stays present throughout, leaving a clean finish.
Substitute
Don’t have mint on hand? No problem. You can still make a tasty mint julep-inspired drink with a few creative swaps.
For the mint, try using basil leaves instead. Basil has a similar refreshing quality and works well with bourbon. Muddle 5-6 basil leaves gently in the glass before adding other ingredients.
If you’re out of bourbon, rye whiskey makes a good substitute. It has a spicier flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness of the sugar syrup.
No simple syrup? Mix equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved. Then, let it cool before using in your drink.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with strong brewed black tea. Chill the tea first, then mix with the other ingredients over ice.
Here’s a quick substitution guide:
- Mint → Basil leaves
- Bourbon → Rye whiskey or black tea
- Simple syrup → Sugar dissolved in hot water
Remember to adjust amounts to taste when using substitutes. The goal is to keep the drink balanced and refreshing.