Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep #BrunchWeek

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This Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep is a twist on an icy and refreshing spring tradition, and perfect for any Derby Day brunch! Minted simple syrup and blackberries are muddled together with good strong Kentucky bourbon, then topped with ginger beer for an added kick of flavor.

Brunch beverages have forever been limited to fruity champagne blends and tomato-based vodka drinks with lots of garnish. I totally get it. Orange juice in a mimosa – perfect for breakfast. Tomato juice makes sense, too.

But it’s 2018, folks. Why limit yourself?

Especially this weekend of all weekends! It’s a double whammy – this Saturday is not only Cinco de Mayo, it’s also Derby Day! Whether you’re a margarita or julep lover, pick your favorite and go for it. No one’s going to stop you!

I do adore margaritas, but this Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep is exactly what I want for every summer brunch.

Spring is all about renewal, right? New beginnings, a fresh start.

A new hairdo. That totally fits the bill, doesn’t it?

I spent my Tuesday enjoying an unintentional self-care day, something I never normally do. It feels like a very Millennial thing to do – and I’m about the least Millennial-ish girl you could meet.

Somehow my annual cut and color stretched into a solo 2-hour lunch of crepes and espresso at a cute new European bistro and some clothes and prop shopping. I felt spoiled – but not once did I feel a hint of regret.

I think every once in a while you just need a day like that. Play hooky from work, scrape together some extra cash and take care of yourself. Buy something nice or treat yourself to that slice of cheesecake you always drool over at Starbucks.

You could also just whip up a few of these Blackberry Ginger Mint Juleps, sit by the pool and take in the fresh air.

More often than not, this is more my style of self-care. It’s much cheaper and easier than leaving the house and dealing with the general public.

This refreshing mint julep recipe is perfect if you’re planning on hosting a brunch for Derby Day or Mother’s Day!

It’s actually more of a hybrid of a Moscow Mule and a classic mint julep, thanks to the addition of ginger beer. Mint Julep recipes traditionally call for little more than bourbon, mint, sugar, and water. This twisted version replaces the water with ginger beer for even more flavor.

It also amps up the mint factor with the use of freshly muddled mint leaves and mint-infused simple syrup versus sugar. Ever crunch on sugar granules when you take your first sip of a cocktail? No worries of that happening in this mint julep!

How to make a Mint Julep:

1. 1. Place mint simple syrup, mint leaves, and blackberries in the bottom of a highball or julep glass. Muddle together until the leaves begin to break down, releasing the oils.
2. 2. Fill the glass halfway with ice, then add the bourbon and stir.
3. 3. Fill the glass to the top with more crushed ice, then top with ginger beer. Garnish with blackberries, a sprig of mint, and a straw. Serve immediately.

There are so many more delicious brunch cocktails to try!

• Blackberry Paloma
• Cucumber Grapefruit Basil Mojito
• Spring Moscato Sangria
• Fresh Cherry Margaritas
• Brunch Sangria Mimosas

Don’t forget to enter our enormous #BrunchWeek giveaway – You could win one of SEVEN prize packs, including an Instant Pot from my friends at Dixie Crystals!

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Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep

This Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep is a twist on an icy and refreshing spring tradition, and perfect for any Derby Day brunch! Minted simple syrup and blackberries are muddled together with good strong Kentucky bourbon, then topped with ginger beer for an added kick of flavor.

Yields 1 drink     adjust servings

Preparation 5m Total Time

Ingredients

Mint Simple Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup mint leaves

Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep

• 1/4 ounce Mint Simple Syrup
• 6 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
• 6 fresh blackberries, plus more for garnish
• 3 ounces bourbon whiskey
• 2 ounce ginger beer
• Crushed ice

Instructions

Mint Simple Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and mint leaves. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and allow syrup to steep for 30 minutes.
2. Pour syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a glass jar, discarding the mint leaves. Allow syrup to cool before using, then store the rest in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep:

1. Place the simple syrup, mint leaves, and blackberries in the bottom of a highball or julep glass. Muddle together until the leaves begin to break down, releasing the oils. Fill the glass halfway with ice, then add the bourbon and stir. Fill the glass with more crushed ice, then top with ginger beer. Garnish with blackberries, a sprig of mint, and a straw. Serve immediately.

by Erica

Recipe Notes

 

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size	1
Amount Per Serving	As Served
Calories 190kcal Calories from fat 6
% Daily Value
Total Fat 1g	2%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Sodium 2mg	0%
Carbohydrate 8g	3%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Sugars 8g
Protein 0g

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:

	Calories	2000
Total Fat	Less than	65g
Sat Fat	Less than	25g
Cholesterol	Less than	300mg
Sodium	Less than	2,400mg
Total Carbohydrate		300g
Dietary Fiber		25g

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PIN THIS BLACKBERRY GINGER MINT JULEP RECIPE FOR LATER!

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This recipe is intended for individuals ages 21 & up. Please drink responsibly. Thank you to #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, LorAnn Oils and Flavors, Cento Fine Foods, Michigan Asparagus, Cal-Organic and Eggland’s Best for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #BrunchWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Seven (7) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #BrunchWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #Brunchweek posts or entry.