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Mint Julep Two Ways

April 29, 2009 by Joy the Baker 45 Comments

Mint Julep Season

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!

Mint Julep Season

Mint Julep Season

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 Season

Mint Julep Season

Mint Julep, the cocktail

makes 1 drink  adapted from Chow

Print this Recipe!

  • 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 Season

Mint Julep Season

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.

Mint Julep Season

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brenda Hyman

    May 3, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    Missed the Kentucky Derby yesterday and had mint I needed to use. Your recipe was DELICIOUS and REFRESHING!!

    Reply
  2. Heidi Fay

    May 6, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    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.

    Reply
  3. Prue

    May 6, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    Yum, yum, sip, sip, yum, sip, yum, yum, sip, sip, sip, sip, sip, sip,sip – yum!

    Reply
  4. Elyse

    May 3, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    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!

    Reply
  5. cindy

    May 3, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    yum. my favorite kind of refreshing!

    Reply
  6. Michelle

    May 2, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    That watermelon version sounds so refreshing! Great idea.

    Reply
  7. Vincent Wibowo

    April 30, 2009 at 8:23 pm

    Thanks for the idea. Just made one tonight and enjoying it now. It’s super refreshing.

    Reply
  8. CookingSchoolConfidential.com

    April 30, 2009 at 3:12 pm

    Ha! What timing! This came up at school the other day (I’m a culinary school student). And now I have a recipe.

    Perfect!

    Reply
  9. Dallas from Bitchin' Lifestyle

    April 30, 2009 at 8:41 am

    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 :)

    Reply
  10. Paystyle

    April 30, 2009 at 7:58 am

    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!

    Reply
  11. Kate

    April 30, 2009 at 6:01 am

    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!

    Reply
  12. Jodye

    April 29, 2009 at 11:11 pm

    These look like the perfect spring cocktails! Beautiful!

    Reply
  13. annie

    April 29, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    Your photos made me crave watermelon in the WORST way! I’ll definitely try it as you suggest.

    Reply
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  1. meanwhile, elsewhere | hello sunshine says:
    July 31, 2015 at 6:32 am

    […] this for bookclub. […]

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  2. Mint Julep | Fork vs. Spoon says:
    May 3, 2012 at 5:23 am

    […] you aren’t into making the simple syrup … that is cool.  Check out this blog, she makes her Mint Julep a little bit different, but equally good.  Trust […]

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