The Boozy Ginger Cocktail Blog - Raspberry Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail often made in the spring months. This iconic beverage has become synonymous with warm summer days, elegant gatherings, and the Kentucky Derby. While the traditional mint julep is a delicious on its own, I am creating a variation by infusing it with the vibrant flavor of raspberries. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Raspberry Mint Julep from scratch, including essential tools, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions.

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Tools and Ingredients You Will Need

Mint julep cup or glass
Muddler
Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring cup
Crushed ice
Fresh mint leaves
Raspberries
Granulated sugar
Water
Bourbon

What is a Mint Julep?

At its core, a mint julep is a cocktail that typically consists of bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and water, served over crushed ice. This classic cocktail has a long history dating back to the 18th century and has remained a beloved classic ever since. Traditionally, mint juleps are associated with the Kentucky Derby, where they are enjoyed by spectators as they watch the horse races.

What is Muddling?

Muddling is a bartending technique that involves gently crushing or bruising ingredients, such as herbs or fruits, to release their flavors and aromas. In the case of a mint julep, muddling is essential for extracting the mint’s essence and infusing it into the drink. When muddling, be sure to use a gentle hand to avoid over-pressing the mint leaves, which can result in a bitter taste.

How to Make Crushed Ice at Home:

Crushed ice is a key component of a mint julep, as it helps to keep the drink cold while diluting it slightly to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. While you can purchase crushed ice from the store, it’s easy to make at home using a few simple methods. One option is to place ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel and crush them using a rolling pin or mallet. Alternatively, you can use a blender or food processor to quickly pulverize ice cubes into a fine, snow-like texture.

How to Make Raspberry Syrup:

To add a burst of fruity flavor to our Raspberry Mint Julep, we’ll be making a homemade raspberry syrup. Alternatively if you prefer not to make the syrup at home you can purchase a raspberry syrup online.

In a small saucepan, combine equal parts raspberries, sugar, and water.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the raspberries have broken down.
Once the mixture has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp.
Allow the syrup to cool before using it in your cocktail.

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How to Make it a Mocktail:

For those who prefer to skip the alcohol, you can easily transform this Raspberry Mint Julep into a refreshing mocktail. Use a non alcoholic bourbon or whiskey alternative.

Glassware Tip:

You can certainly enjoy your Raspberry Mint Julep in any glassware but using a traditional mint julep cup adds an extra touch of authenticity to the experience. These iconic silver cups will keep your drink frosty cold and also help to enhance the aroma of the mint as you sip.

How To Make A Raspberry Mint Julep