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
Equipment
- Mesh strainer
- Ice crusher or Lewis bag
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
- 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
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.
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.
