This Blackberry-Mint Julep Is Our Favorite Way To Shake Up The Classic Cocktail

Maria Do
purple blackberry mint julep with crushed ice garnished with a blackberry and mint sprig
Blackberry-Mint JulepPHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Could mint juleps get even better? It's hard to believe, but this blackberry-mint julep is the refreshing upgrade on the classic cocktail that I can't get enough of. This Kentucky Derby classic gets a bright layer of flavor from muddled blackberries that also lend it a rich purple color. It's a stunning summer cocktail that your party will truly thank you for—here's what you need to know.

What is a blackberry-mint julep?
Blackberry-mint juleps are a variation of the mint julep—a Kentucky Derby classic—with the addition of muddled blackberries. Juleps are commonly made with Kentucky bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and ice, and are known for being booze-forward, light, and served in a frosted glass for warm days. This recipe introduces muddled blackberries that complement the mint and bourbon while also making the drink an entirely different purple color. It also includes granulated sugar in lieu of simple syrup to aid with the muddling process.

Tips for making a blackberry mint julep:
— Muddle the mint and blackberries well. Make sure to muddle the ingredients well to extract all of the flavors. The granulated sugar helps significantly to bruise the mint leaves and extract oils. As for the blackberries, muddle until the berries have lost their shape and resemble a thick jam. You should be able to strain most of the juices out via a fine mesh sieve.
— Choose a bourbon you like. Mint juleps are booze-forward, so be sure to use a bourbon you actually enjoy the taste of since the mint and blackberries are more complementary flavors to the bourbon.
— Keep it cool. Mint juleps are known for being a cold, refreshing drink so start with cold ingredients when possible (cold bourbon and blackberries). Serve in a chilled coupe (or julep) glass over ice when ready to enjoy.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Yields: 1 serving

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tsp.

    granulated sugar

  • 4

    fresh mint leaves, plus more for serving

  • 6

    fresh blackberries, divided

  • Ice

  • 2 oz.

    bourbon

Directions

  1. In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, muddle sugar, mint, 5 blackberries, and 1 ounce water until blackberries have lost their shape and a thick puree forms.

  2. Strain into a (preferably frosty) coupe glass filled with ice. Add bourbon and stir until well chilled.

  3. Garnish with remaining 1 blackberry and more mint leaves.

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