Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep

The Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep is an iconic Southern cocktail, best known for its strong association with the Kentucky Derby.

What is Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep?

A Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep is a deliciously refreshing cocktail that combines the ingredients of a Classic Mint Julep with the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh strawberries. The addition of muddled strawberries gives the drink a beautiful, rosy hue and enhances its flavor with fruity notes that complement the bold, oaky profile of bourbon.

Ingredients

This delightful recipe is perfect for warm weather, Derby Day celebrations, a horse race, or any occasion where a refreshing bourbon cocktail is desired!

1.   Bourbon- The heart of a mint julep, high-quality bourbon provides a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet base.

2.   Fresh Strawberries- Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant red hue to the drink.

3.   Fresh Mint Leaves- Mint provides a cooling, aromatic freshness.

4.   Simple Syrup- Made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, simple syrup sweetens the drink and ensures smooth blending.

5.   Crushed Ice- Essential for the perfect julep texture, chills the drink and slowly dilutes it, making it smoother over time. Traditional julep cups keep the ice cold for longer, creating a frost on the outside.

6.   Strawberry or Mint Garnish- A sliced strawberry or a fresh mint sprig adds an elegant final touch and enhances the strawberry flavor and herb aroma.

(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

How to Make Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep?

Instructions:

Step 1: Muddle the Strawberries and Mint

1. In a cocktail shaker or a rocks glass, add the fresh strawberries, and mint leaves.
2. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press down and twist to release the juices from the strawberries and the essential oils from the mint.
3. Be careful not to over-muddle the mint, as this can make the drink taste bitter.
4. If you use a shaker add ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 sec.

Step 2: Add Bourbon and Sweetener

1. Pour and strain the bourbon over the muddled strawberries and mint.
2. Add the simple syrup or strawberry syrup, depending on your preference for sweetness.
3. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Fill with Crushed Ice

1. Fill the glass with crushed ice, packing it tightly to create the signature frosty exterior of a classic Julep cup.
2. Stir the drink gently to incorporate all the mixture.
3. Top with more crushed ice, forming a small dome over the rim of the glass.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve immediately with a straw or sip it straight from the frosty cup, savoring the refreshing flavors.

2. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a sliced lemon for an elegant finishing touch and ENJOY!

Variation of Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep

For a unique twist, consider these optional ingredients:

But before try these recipes: Bourbon Sour, Pear Bourbon Cocktail, and Whiskey Sour.

1. Spicy Strawberry Mint Julep

• Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, and add lemon juice to balance the spiciness.
• Rim the glass with Tajín for an extra layer of heat, and garnish with sprig of mint.

2. Strawberry Basil Julep

• Replace the mint with fresh basil for a slightly herb twist.
• Garnish with a basil leaf and strawberry slice.

3. Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Mint Julep (Mocktail)

• Swap the bourbon for ginger ale, sparkling water, or a combination of the two.
• Follow the same steps, ensuring the drink remains just as refreshing and flavorful.

4. Blackberry-Strawberry Mint Julep

• Muddle fresh blackberries along with the strawberries for a richer berry flavor.
• Use blackberry syrup instead of strawberry syrup for a darker, fruitier taste. See the full recipe here.

When to Serve Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep?

Here are the perfect times to serve this delightful drink:

1. Kentucky Derby & Southern Celebrations- The traditional Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, making the strawberry a perfect fruity twist for a horse race.

2. Spring & Summer Gatherings- With its refreshing mint and sweet strawberries, this cocktail is ideal for spring and summer BBQs, picnics, and backyard parties.

3. Valentine’s Day or Romantic Evenings- The vibrant red strawberries and smooth bourbon make this drink a sophisticated yet romantic cocktail for date nights or Valentine’s Day.

5. Holiday Gatherings & Special Events– Whether it’s a Fourth of July celebration, wedding reception, or holiday party, this drink adds a unique and elegant touch to any special occasion.

No matter the event, the cocktail is sure to impress with its balance of sweet, herbal, and bourbon flavors a perfect blend of Southern charm and refreshing indulgence!

Suggestion to serve with Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep

Pair your Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep with delicious Southern and BBQ-inspired dishes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Here are some ideal pairings:

• Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad – The creaminess of burrata and sweetness of peaches harmonize beautifully with the minty, bourbon-forward drink.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders – The smoky, savory flavors of pulled pork balance the cocktail’s fruity notes.
• Southern Fried Chicken – A crispy, salty dish like fried chicken complements the refreshing qualities of the Julep.

• Pecan Pie or Shortcake – Sweet, nutty, or berry-filled desserts enhance the strawberry and bourbon flavors in the drink.

Notes:

Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The better the quality of your strawberries, the richer and sweeter your cocktail will taste.

Always Use Crushed Ice: This is key to the classic Julep texture and chilling effect.

Smack the Mint Before Garnishing: Lightly slap the sprig mint between your hands before placing it on the drink—this releases the essential oils, making the aroma more prominent.

Serve in a Proper Mint Julep Cup: While any glass will work, a metal Julep glass enhances the frosty experience and adds authenticity.

Conclusion:

The Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep is a delightful, fruit-forward take on a timeless classic. Whether you’re celebrating the Kentucky Derby, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply looking for a refreshing cocktail, this drink delivers an incredible balance of flavors. With its bold bourbon base, sweet strawberry infusion, and cooling mint, it’s a drink that’s both elegant and easy to enjoy.

Did You Make This Recipe?

Snap a picture and mention it on Instagram: @mixop.cocktails

Continue to Content

Yield: 1

Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep

Print

The Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep is an iconic Southern cocktail, best known for its strong association with the Kentucky Derby.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4-5 fresh strawberries
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• ½ oz simple syrup or homemade strawberry syrup optional
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig and lemon slice for garnish optional

Instructions

Step 1: Muddle the Strawberries and Mint

1.  In a cocktail shaker or a rocks glass, add the fresh strawberries, and mint
leaves.

2.  Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press down and twist to release the
juices from the strawberries and the essential oils from the mint.

3.  Be careful not to over-muddle the mint, as this can make the drink taste bitter.

4.  If you use a shaker add ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 sec.

Step2: Add Bourbon and Sweetener

1.  Pour and strain the bourbon over the muddled strawberries and mint.

2.  Add the simple syrup or strawberry syrup, depending on your preference for
sweetness.

3.  Stir gently to combine the flavors.

Step3: Fill with Crushed Ice

1.  Fill the glass with crushed ice, packing it tightly to create the signature frosty exterior of a classic Julep cup.

2.  Stir the drink gently to incorporate all the mixture.

3.  Top with more crushed ice, forming a small dome over the rim of the glass.

Step4: Garnish and Serve

1.  Serve immediately with a straw or sip it straight from the frosty cup, savoring the
refreshing flavors.

2. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a sliced lemon for an elegant finish touch.

Notes

• Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The better the quality of your strawberries, the richer and sweeter your cocktail will taste.
• Always Use Crushed Ice: This is key to the classic Julep texture and chilling effect.
• Smack the Mint Before Garnishing: Lightly slap the mint sprig between your hands before placing it on the drink—this releases the essential oils, making the aroma more prominent.
• Serve in a Proper Julep Cup: While any glass will work, a metal Julep cup enhances the frosty experience and adds authenticity.

Nutrition Information

Yield

1

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 202Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 8mgCarbohydrates 50gFiber 5gSugar 43gProtein 2g

Nutrition information isn´t always accurate!

You May Also Like:

Smoked Whiskey

Nothing like this recipe for Smoked Whiskey where there is a bit of a show for our eyes, but also a woody and smoky smell and taste in the result of the cocktail.

Apple Bourbon Smash

The Apple Bourbon Smash is a delightful cocktail that captures the essence of autumn with its warm, spiced flavors and crisp apple.

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic alcoholic drink on the list of the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails.