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–+ servings

Blueberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

Blueberry Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
This take on the mint julep adds blueberries for a pop of color and flavor. You get that familiar bourbon bite, but it’s softened by fruit and mint.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Julep cup or rocks glass
  • Muddler
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer (optional)
  • Ice crusher or Lewis bag with mallet (for crushed ice)
  • Small saucepan (for blueberry syrup)
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Small bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon whiskey
  • 1 oz blueberry syrup recipe below
  • 8-10 fresh mint leaves plus extra sprig for garnish
  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries plus extra for garnish
  • Crushed ice
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar optional

For blueberry syrup:

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Make blueberry syrup: In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer on medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the berries burst. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the solids. Cool it down completely.
  • Prepare your glass: Toss mint leaves and fresh blueberries into the bottom. If you’re using powdered sugar, add it now.
  • Muddle gently: Press down with a muddler (or spoon) to release mint oils and blueberry juice. Go easy—too much muddling makes the mint bitter.
  • Add bourbon and syrup: Pour in the bourbon and blueberry syrup.
  • Add ice: Fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill everything nicely.
  • Garnish: Top with a mound of more crushed ice, extra blueberries, and a mint sprig. Serve right away with a short straw

Notes

This cocktail’s best when the ice is fresh and the mint’s still perky. Make the blueberry syrup ahead—it’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Want it booze-free? Swap bourbon for ginger ale or lemonade. You could even use blackberries or raspberries instead of blueberries—no one’s stopping you.
The classic mint julep is the Kentucky Derby’s official drink, but honestly, this blueberry twist is a showstopper for summer parties, Memorial Day, or the Fourth of July. That purple-blue color is just begging for a celebration.