This Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep recipe 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.
This page includes step by step instructions, as well as tips and notes. If you’d like to skip all that, feel free to scroll down to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. There is also a “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page if you’d rather not exercise your scrolling finger!
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 mint juleps – or a grapefruit gingerbeer mocktail if that’s your thing – sit by the pool, and take in the fresh air. Or, if you’re indulging in a pony race, a few of these, a batch of Pecan Tassies, plus the classic Kentucky Oaks Lily Drink will keep everyone happy.
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:
- First, place mint simple syrup, mint leaves, and blackberries in the bottom of a highball or julep glass.
- Next, muddle everything together until the leaves begin to break down, releasing the oils.
- Add more crushed ice, filling to the top, then pour over with ginger beer.
- Garnish with blackberries, a sprig of mint, and a straw. Serve immediately.
HELPFUL KITCHEN TOOLS FOR MAKING A MINT JULEP:
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Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep
Ingredients
Mint Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mint leaves
Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep
- ¼ 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
Caroline says
This is so pretty, and sounds great too, whenever you have it!
Wendy says
What a lovely drink. I would love to try one.
Christie says
Yes please! These sound so delicious and perfect for a Derby or brunch.
Liz @ Books n' Cooks says
Now I’m really glad that I planted mint in my garden this year. 🙂
Helen says
Blackberry and ginger – what an unusual but perfect sounding flavor combo!
Pour one more for me this evening, won’t you?!