These bourbon laden treats were inspired by two things: those still spring, but almost summer days that give you a hint at just how blazing hot this summer is going to be, and… this weekend’s Kentucky Derby.
Here’s what I know about Spring:
It’s green. Once we get past the Easter Bunny stage, it’s all about blooming flowers and May showers. Spring makes me feel like I’m in love with the world… probably because I am.
Here’s what I know about the Kentucky Derby:
Horses. Hats. Mint Juleps.
Here’s what I know about bourbon:
Dang, it’s good!
Here, for your Spring and Derby pleasure, are Mint Julep two ways.
The first is a classic Mint Julep cocktail. If you’re from the South and think that somehow this recipe is not a classic version, then please accept my humble apologies as a native Californian. This is the (ooooh so delicious) way I’ve had Mint Juleps foreva-eva-eva.
The second version is all of the Mint Julep fix-ins on watermelon cubes. Brilliant, right? So refreshing, so fun, and just the perfect way to get ready for the summer sun.
Mint Julep, the cocktail
makes 1 drink adapted from Chow
- 3 sprigs fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
- 2 ounces bourbon
- club soda or filtered water
- sprinkle of powdered sugar
Muddle the leaves from two mint sprigs with teaspoons of water and sugar in a highball or collins glass.
Once the mint is bruised and the mixtures is super fragrant, fill the cup with ice cubes. Pour in bourbon, and top with club soda or water and garnish with the remaining mint sprig and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Mint Julep, the watermelon
adapted from Gourmet May 2005
- 2 tablespoons bourbon or blended whiskey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint plus 2 tablespoons whole small fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 small, seedless watermelon (about 2 pounds of diced watermelon, I just used a small mixing bowl full of diced melon)
Stir together bourbon, chopped mint, and sugar in a small bowl. Let stand 20 minutes (to allow flavors to develop).
Meanwhile, trim, peel, and dice a watermelon. Place in a medium mixing bowl. Pour bourbon mixture through a sieve onto watermelon. If you leave the chopped mint in the mixture, pour it all over the watermelon, and don’t serve it immediately, they’ll eventually turn brown and icky. I learned the hard way. Add whole mint leaves and gently toss to combine. Place in the fridge to chill until serving.
45 Responses
Missed the Kentucky Derby yesterday and had mint I needed to use. Your recipe was DELICIOUS and REFRESHING!!
I might be the only college student on the planet who doesnt have alcohol built into her budget, but if Joy the Baker recommends it I may have to include it as part of my grocery money…hmmm.
Yum, yum, sip, sip, yum, sip, yum, yum, sip, sip, sip, sip, sip, sip,sip – yum!
OH MAN. Looks like we share some joint knowledge about bourbon. These cocktails have my mouth watering. I could totally take one right now. Especially with those wonderful watermelon cubes. Fabulous!
yum. my favorite kind of refreshing!
That watermelon version sounds so refreshing! Great idea.
Thanks for the idea. Just made one tonight and enjoying it now. It’s super refreshing.
Ha! What timing! This came up at school the other day (I’m a culinary school student). And now I have a recipe.
Perfect!
I love your two versions. They both look amazing. Interestingly, I once had a mint-watermelon julep that was whipped up into fruity, foamy goodness with an immersion blender. Maybe try that one if you want to switch it up next time :)
Excellent choice of bourbon! That is one of my top choices for a Julep as well. The watermelon idea also sounds awesome! I must try it soon.
If you don’t mind I’d like to offer a few tips that I think would further improve your Mint Julep. First, I’d skip the club soda. Most traditional bourbons don’t have it. Second, I think it’s absolutely essential to use crushed ice, and plenty of it. I’d muddle the mint & sugar as you did, add crushed ice almost to the top, then add the bourbon and stir. Then I’d pack more crushed ice to fill. Lastly (and least important), I’d use a mint garnish. It’s not merely for good looks–it really helps the “nose” of the drink, especially when crushed ice is used.
I did a post on a traditional Mint Julep yesterday which you can check out here: https://www.umamimart.com/2009/04/happy-hour-mint-julep.html
Keep up the great posts!
Oh my, what a fantastic way to celebrate the coming summer! Too bad I’m still waiting for spring weather here in Ontario that doesn’t include rain or cold breezes. Phooey!
These look like the perfect spring cocktails! Beautiful!
Your photos made me crave watermelon in the WORST way! I’ll definitely try it as you suggest.
YUM! i will have to try these out!!!
Also, a totally random question that I should have asked during “ask joy the baker” : have you ever used wheat germ while baking? i’ve recently been reading a lot about it and love eating it with my yogurt but haven’t ventured into baking with it yet.. what’s your take on this matter?!
They both look really delicious! I’ve never tried Mint Juleps – I’ll have to make it and see if I like it. It certainly looks interesting (and gourmet!)
Umm either one of those would make my Derby Day!(or any other day I’m sure;-P
I actually remember that watermelon from Gourmet–what a great idea…so beautiful, so good.
I can’t wait to try this recipe. If I can just reach my hand through this screen and help myself to a glass. :) Beautiful photography as always.
OMG, thanks for the derby reminder! And oh yummy julep-ness. Maybe I’ll test out a derby pie for the first time this year . . . . I do love themes!
I may just have to sip on these and melt in the sun all weekend. thanks for giving me the perfect plan.
Love the watermelon idea. YOu know what would work well? To add all of the yummy stuff to a vacuum sealing bag and then cryovac it shut to infuse the booze and mint right into the melon.
ohhh summer is in the air! I like both versions :)
P.S. Fo shiz! (couldn’t resist)
Foreva-eva, forEVA-EVA? (That is me trying to copy you, trying to do Outkast, while typing…didn’t think I could pull it off, huh?)
I don’t drink alcohol, but I think this drink looks really beautiful!
I have never commented on your blog although I read each and every post and I adore all of them. I have to comment on Mint Juleps because we were just discussing them at the office yesterday. Here in Maine I have just noticed my mint starting to come up. A woman at work was telling me to make Mint Juleps with it. I’ve never had one! I have forwarded this post to her. Can’t wait to try your recipe.
Version 2 with the watermelon yells summer!
The watermelon is VERY interesting! Perhaps I’ll try it soon. Another Kentuckian here! I just posted today about making Mint Julep Cupcakes if you want to check it out!
My husband and I take a yearly trip to New Orleans. We now grow our own mint so that we may partake in Mint Julieps to remind us of our trips.
The watermelon sounds spectacular! With this being standardized testing week for the school kiddos in Texas us teachers will want to take full advantage of these recipes.
Thanks!
I love Bulliet and most any bourbon. I think this weekend I will wear a big sun hat and take a mint julep to the Paris Flea Market and celebrate the Kentucky Derby. I also recently discovered Pimm’s Cup and think it may take over as my new summer cocktail. I don’t want to hurt Gin/Vodka Tonic’s feelings, so maybe I will alternate!
Watermelon mint julep sounds like the perfect summer drink..so refreshing!
Ooh those look refreshing! Especially the watermelon. I can’t wait for watermelons – I’m going to try to make a drunken watermelon at some point this summer.
Girrrrl, you are speaking my LANGUAGE with the mint juleps! (being originally from Kentucky). And the watermelon mint julep? GENIUS! Genius I tell you.
Also, you are in LA, right? I travel there quite a bit and will be in the area for a week next week. I always eat the best food there but am kind of stumped on bakeries. Any that YOU would recommend?
I love the addition of watermelon. It provides such a fresh color! Typically I find myself shifting from Bourbon to Gin in the summer, but this might change my mind.
I am from the Bluegrass state and I think your mint juleps look delicious!!!! Using a good bourbon is key. Makers Mark if you like sweet and Blanton if you like a smooth taste. It also comes in a beautiful bottle with a horse on the cap. Beautiful photos!
Everytime I see, hear of, or drink a Mint Juleps, I want to shimmy into a seersucker outfit and play croquet!
Joy,
These look terrific. Throw in some Derby Pie and some very large hats, and this looks like the ultimate Derby celebration.
Take care.
I went to the Derby two years ago. It was hilarious to see beautifully dressed women retrieving zip top bags of bourbon from underneath of their dresses. The (Kentucky) Oaks Lily is also a refreshing cocktail, maybe toss in diced crisp green apple!
yummy pics :)
This sounds great. Perfect drink to enjoy in the garden on a summer’s day. If you’re lookin’ for more boozy drink suggestions, try a Mary Pickford, it’s a family favourite.
oh! girly i’m with you on this! first bulleit is one of my favorites! second i’m from louisville, ky but am now living in copenhagen, denmark. i usually go home every year because it’s the one thing you can’t miss all year, screw christmas. it’s a full on two week extravaganza starting the two weeks before derby day. and this just so happens to be the first time in nine years i haven’t been to the derby and it’s paining me in ways you wouldn’t believe! thanks for this post, i truly enjoyed it! maybe i’ll make the splurge and go down to the one place here that carries bulleit, even though i have a bottle of makers mark looking me in the eye. keep on keeping on!
I’m with you on the bourbon thing! Love the photos and will definitely be trying the cocktail.