Blackberry Mint Julep Cocktail

A twist on a classic cocktail, this Blackberry Mint Julep is all you need this summer and beyond. A simple blend of bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, and crushed ice, is taken up a notch with the addition of blackberry liqueur.

This cocktail is dangerously good and will certainly be a welcomed addition to your home bar. If you’re not a fan of bourbon, this cocktail may change your mind. And if you are a true fan of this classic, then my blackberry flavored version will most definitely enhance your imbibing experience.

What is a Mint Julep?

A Mint Julep is a class cocktail created using a mixture of bourbon, mint, sugar, and water. This cocktail has a long history and is stoked in tradition. In 1816, silver julep cups were given as prizes at Kentucky county fairs. Fast forward to 1938, 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 this drink:

• 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/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.
• A homemade simple syrup (one part water and one part sugar) gives this cocktail a hint of sweetness that ties the bourbon and mint together.
• The secret sauce is the blackberry liqueur. It doesn’t have an overpowering sweetness and combining that flavor with the mint and bourbon on ice is pure genius.
• 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 Mint Julep:

Let’s start with your simple syrup. You can make this very easily at home by combining equal amounts of sugar and water. This process can save you a few trips to the local liquor store and is not worth a purchase.

Grab your julep cup and add around 5 fresh mint leaves straight from the stem.

Pour one ounce of the simple syrup mix into the cup and slightly muddle the leaves into the simple syrup with a cocktail muddler. Do not turn your mint leaves into mush. This goal here is to bring out the flavors of the mint which doesn’t take much elbow grease.

Add three ounces of your favorite bourbon into the cup followed by a half cup of crushed ice.

Stir the cocktail until the cup begins to frost then top with more ice creating a dome.

Pour one ounce of the blackberry liqueur evenly over the top of the ice then add a mint stem with leaves for garnish, if desired.

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!

And here are a few more summer cocktails you might enjoy:

• Watermelon Moscow Mule Cocktail
• Mandarin Orange Crush Cocktail
• Frozen Pear Margarita Cocktail
• Best Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail
• Blackberry Mojito Cocktail
• Piña Colada Cocktail

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