A refreshing twist on the classic mint julep brings sweet strawberries into the mix. This drink combines fresh mint, crushed strawberries, and bourbon for a perfect spring or summer cocktail.

The strawberry mint julep takes just 5 minutes to make and needs only 5 simple ingredients.

The drink started as a creative spin on Kentucky’s famous mint julep, which dates back to the 1700s. Many bartenders now add strawberries to bring extra sweetness and a beautiful pink color to this traditional bourbon cocktail.

This recipe works great for parties, barbecues, or any warm afternoon gathering.

The mix of fresh fruit and mint creates a cool, garden-fresh taste that most people enjoy, even if they don’t usually drink bourbon.

Strawberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing twist on the classic mint julep combines sweet strawberries with bourbon and fresh mint. Perfect for warm weather gatherings and derby parties.

John

Prep Time 8

Total Time 8

Serving Size

Equipment

Muddler
Julep cup or highball glass

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
4-5 fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
6-8 fresh mint leaves
1/2 oz simple syrup
Crushed ice
Fresh mint sprig for garnish
Fresh strawberry for garnish

Instructions

Add strawberries and mint leaves to the julep cup.

Muddle gently to release the oils from the mint and juice from the strawberries.
Pour in the bourbon and simple syrup.
Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice.

Stir with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
Add more crushed ice to form a dome on top.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and strawberry.

Notes

The drink tastes best with fresh, ripe strawberries during peak season.

Store-bought crushed ice works fine, but hand-crushed ice creates the best texture.

Choose a high-quality bourbon between 90-100 proof for the best flavor balance.

Make simple syrup by mixing equal parts sugar and water, heating until dissolved.

Pre-chill the julep cup in the freezer for 5 minutes before making the cocktail.

Tasting Notes

A Strawberry Mint Julep hits the palate with fresh strawberry sweetness, followed by cool mint and smooth bourbon notes.

The crushed ice brings a refreshing chill that makes each sip extra crisp.

The drink has a bright red color and gives off an inviting aroma of fresh mint and ripe strawberries. Tiny ice crystals form on the surface as the drink sits, creating a frosted look.

Each sip starts sweet and fruity, then transitions to mint and finishes with the warm, oaky taste of bourbon.

The three main flavors – strawberry, mint, and bourbon – blend together without any one flavor being too strong.

The texture is smooth and icy, with small pieces of crushed ice that melt slowly. This keeps the drink cold and adds a pleasant slushy quality.

Key Flavor Notes:

Fresh strawberry
Garden mint
Kentucky bourbon
Light sugar syrup
Crushed ice

The drink tastes best when served very cold in a frosted julep cup. As the ice melts, the flavors stay balanced and the drink remains refreshing until the last sip.

Must Have Ingredients

Image	Title	Buy
	Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack	Buy On Amazon
	Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer	Buy On Amazon
	Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale	Buy On Amazon
	Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt	Buy On Amazon
	WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint	Buy On Amazon
	Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar	Buy On Amazon
	Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Original Bloody Mary Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit	Buy On Amazon
	Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners	Buy On Amazon
	1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer	Buy On Amazon
	Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker	Buy On Amazon
	Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails	Buy On Amazon

Substitute

The classic mint julep recipe calls for bourbon, but vodka makes a lighter alternative. Clear spirits keep the strawberry color vibrant while letting the fruit flavors stand out.

Non-alcoholic versions work well too. Replace bourbon with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing mocktail. For a fizzy twist, add sparkling water instead.

Fresh mint can be swapped with dried mint in a pinch. Use 1/3 the amount of dried mint compared to fresh. The flavor won’t be as bright, but it still adds the signature minty taste.

No fresh strawberries? Frozen ones work just as well. Let them thaw first and drain excess liquid. Strawberry syrup or puree can also replace fresh berries, though the texture will be different.

Simple syrup substitutes:

Honey (use 75% of called amount)
Agave nectar (use 75% of called amount)
Sugar (dissolve in warm water first)

Regular ice cubes can replace crushed ice. The drink won’t be as frosty, but it still chills well. Break up larger cubes in a clean kitchen towel with a rolling pin if needed.

Strawberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe