This Blackberry Mint Julep is a tasty, fruity riff on the Southern classic. We’ve taken the traditional foundation of bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves and elevated it by muddling in fresh blackberries, enhancing its sweetness. All served over a mountain of crushed ice that frosts the julep cup — it’s a boozy, refreshing cocktail that proves some classics are even better with a little seasonal twist.

Here are a few more fruity cocktails you may enjoy: Watermelon Moscow Mule Cocktail, Frozen Wine Slushies, Raspberry Pink 75 Cocktail, Mango Martini Cocktail, and Blackberry Whiskey Smash.

blackberry mint julep in a frosted julep cup

This cocktail is dangerously good and will certainly be a welcome addition to your home bar. If you’re not a fan of bourbon, this cocktail may change your mind. If you are a true fan of this classic, this blackberry-flavored version will enhance your drinking experience.

What is a Mint Julep cocktail?

A Mint Julep is a classic cocktail created using a mixture of bourbon, mint, sugar, and water. This cocktail has a long history and is steeped in tradition. In 1816, silver julep cups were given as prizes at Kentucky county fairs. Fast forward to 1938, and the Mint Julep became the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. This is a very simple recipe with a sophisticated flavor profile.

What you’ll need to make a Blackberry Mint Julep:

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Enjoying this cocktail in a julep cup is a must. Not only does it create a nice frost on the outside of the cup, but it keeps the cocktail very cold. I’m a firm believer in the right cup or glass for the right cocktail.
Bourbon is the base of this drink. I have many favorites, but tend to go with Oregon Spirit, Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Elijah Craig, Eagle Rare, or Bulleit. For a spicier note, you can also use rye whiskey.
A homemade simple syrup (one part water and one part sugar) and fresh blackberries give this cocktail a hint of sweetness that ties the bourbon and mint together.
Your fresh mint leaves will be used for both the cocktail recipe and the garnish.
And last but not least, crushed ice.
For your bar tools, you need a cocktail muddler and a bar spoon (paid link).

How to make a Blackberry Mint Julep:

Make the simple syrup. You can make this very easily at home by combining equal amounts of sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This process can save you a few trips to the local liquor store, and it is not worth the purchase.

Muddle the simple syrup, blackberries, and mint leaves. Grab your julep cup or rocks glass and add the simple syrup, blackberries, and mint leaves. Press gently 3–4 times. Do not turn your mint leaves into mush. The goal here is to bring out the flavors of the mint, which doesn’t take much elbow grease.

Muddle like a pro!

To get the most flavor out of your Blackberry Mint Julep without that bitter aftertaste, the technique is everything. Instead of grinding the mint into a paste, use your muddler to press down firmly and give a light quarter-turn. Do this only few times. You only want to release the essential oils from the veins of the leaves. If you tear the mint, it releases chlorophyll, which makes the drink bitter and leaves you with green bits stuck in your straw.

Pouring simple syrup into mint julep cup

Add the bourbon. Add the bourbon to the cup and give it a quick stir to integrate the flavors with the muddled base.

Add the crushed ice. Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice. Use a long bar spoon (paid link) to stir rapidly for about 15 seconds. This chills the drink deeply and begins the “frost” on the outside of the metal cup. Top with more crushed ice, packing it down slightly until it forms a dome or “snowcone” top.

Mint julep cup with frost on the outside

Garnish the cocktail. Add a fresh mint sprig and a few whole blackberries for garnish, if desired.

overhead shot of a blackberry mint julep in a frosted julep cup

This cocktail has taken first place in my household, so I can almost guarantee you will enjoy it the same. If you love mint juleps, then give this Blackberry Mint Julep Cocktail a try. Cheers!