Raspberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

ByJohn

Looking for a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail? The Raspberry Mint Julep offers a fruity spin on the traditional southern drink.

This cocktail combines fresh raspberries, mint leaves, bourbon, and simple syrup for a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

The Raspberry Mint Julep is perfect for spring gatherings, Kentucky Derby parties, or honestly, any warm-weather occasion. The bright red color from the muddled raspberries makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.

This cocktail’s easy to make—just a few minutes of prep, and you get all these layered flavors that feel surprisingly complex. You can whip up a single serving or scale it up for a crowd, no sweat.

Raspberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

Raspberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

Raspberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
The Raspberry Mint Julep combines fresh raspberries with the classic mint julep for a fruity twist on the traditional Derby Day favorite. This refreshing cocktail balances sweet berry flavors with bourbon and mint.
John

Equipment

Ingredients

For simple syrup:

Instructions

  • Make simple syrup (if needed): Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves completely. Cool before using.
  • Muddle the mint: Place mint leaves in the bottom of your julep cup. Gently muddle to release the oils, but don’t tear the leaves.
  • Add raspberries and muddle again lightly to release their juice.
  • Pour in bourbon and simple syrup, then fill halfway with crushed ice.
  • Stir for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture.
  • Add more crushed ice to form a dome on top of the drink.
  • Garnish with a mint sprig and fresh raspberries. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
  • Serve immediately with a short straw.

Notes

This recipe can be adjusted to taste. If you want a stronger raspberry flavor, toss in 10-12 berries or add a splash (about ¼ oz) of raspberry liqueur.
The drink honestly gets better if you let it sit for a minute or two, so the flavors can meld. For a non-alcoholic version, swap the bourbon for ginger ale or club soda.
Making a batch for a party? Just multiply the recipe and prep it in a pitcher—add ice and garnishes right before serving.
Leftover simple syrup keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks in an airtight container. If you’re feeling adventurous, blackberries or strawberries can totally work instead of raspberries.

Tasting Notes

A Raspberry Mint Julep brings a bright, refreshing flavor profile that balances sweetness with those cooling mint notes. The drink’s got this gorgeous ruby-red color, and you can see flecks of muddled mint throughout.

The first sip? You get the sweet-tart hit from the raspberries, which lays down a fruity foundation. It’s not too sweet, not too sour—just right in the middle.

The mint is there as a cool, herbal counterpoint, lifting the whole thing up. It adds a fresh note without stomping all over the raspberry.

Flavor Components:

  • Primary: Sweet-tart raspberry
  • Secondary: Cool, aromatic mint
  • Tertiary: Smooth bourbon warmth
  • Finish: Clean, slightly sweet

The bourbon steps in with depth and warmth—think vanilla and a touch of oak. These notes play nicely with the fruit, not against it.

If you get the balance right, the drink shouldn’t come off as overly sweet. Crushed ice mellows everything out, softening any harsh edges.

The finish? Clean, with a pleasant lingering taste of mint and raspberry. It’s honestly perfect on a hot day.

Best enjoyed: Sipped slowly through a short straw, letting the flavors open up as the ice melts.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitute

If you don’t have all the ingredients for a Raspberry Mint Julep, don’t worry. There are actually a bunch of easy substitutions you can make.

No fresh raspberries? Try using frozen ones—just let them thaw first. Or swap in 1 ounce of raspberry syrup if that’s what you’ve got.

Raspberry jam works too. Use about a tablespoon, but you might want to strain out any seeds unless you like a little texture.

Missing mint leaves? Spearmint and peppermint both work, honestly. If you’re really in a pinch, 2 or 3 drops of mint extract can stand in for fresh mint, though the flavor won’t be quite as bright.

Bourbon Alternatives:

  • Rye whiskey
  • Tennessee whiskey
  • Dark rum
  • Brandy

For a non-alcoholic version, you can swap out bourbon for a few things.

No crushed ice? Regular ice cubes are totally fine. The drink will just dilute a bit more slowly, which isn’t the end of the world.

If you want crushed ice, toss some cubes in a clean kitchen towel and smash them up with a rolling pin. It’s oddly satisfying.

Simple syrup can be replaced with honey (just use about three-quarters the amount). Agave nectar or maple syrup also work if you’re after a different flavor vibe.

Silver julep cups are traditional, but honestly, any chilled glass will do the trick for serving this refreshing cocktail.

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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