5 Twists on a Traditional Mint Julep
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style with one of these tea-infused mint julep variations.
Photo: Tea & Stories
It's not a Kentucky Derby party without mint juleps! As the official drink of the Derby, mint juleps are the perfect balance of sweet and smoky. They're simple to make for your own watch party and they take less than 15 minutes to put together.
The crushed ice and mint are the perfect refreshers for a warm derby day. Check out our recipe for a traditional mint julep plus five variations using our favorite cold teas.
Traditional Mint Julep
Photos: Tea & Stories
Ingredients: 3-4 fresh masticated mint leaves, 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave, 1/2 cup crushed ice, 2 ounces bourbon, 1 teaspoon ginseng tea, 1/4 cup water
Boil 1/4 cup of water. Remove from heat and steep 4 teaspoons ginseng tea in water for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it turns rose-colored. Let the tea cool completely before mixing together with the rest of the ingredients in a small cocktail glass.
Julep Fact!
- Throughout the two days of the Kentucky Derby festivities, nearly 120,000 mint juleps are served
Matcha Mint Julep
Photo: Tea & Stories
Ingredients: 3-4 fresh masticated mint leaves, 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave, 1/2 cup crushed ice, 2 ounces bourbon, 1/8 teaspoon matcha powder, 1/4 cup water
Boil 1/4 cup of water. Remove from heat and vigorously whisk 1/8 tsp of matcha powder in water and let steep for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns deep green. Let the tea cool completely before mixing with the rest of the ingredients in a small cocktail glass.
Julep Fact!
- Typically bourbon is the spirit of choice for a mint julep, but gin-based versions are popular, too.
Ginseng Mint Julep
Ingredients: 3-4 fresh masticated mint leaves, 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave, 1/2 cup crushed ice, 2 ounces bourbon, 1 teaspoon ginseng tea, 1/4 cup water
Boil 1/4 cup of water. Remove from heat and steep 4 teaspoons ginseng tea in water for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it turns rose-colored. Let the tea cool completely before mixing together with the rest of the ingredients in a small cocktail glass.
Tip!
To easily crush ice, place it in a clean kitchen towel and smash with a meat mallet.
Photo: Tea & Stories
Yerba Mate Mint Julep
Ingredients: 3-4 fresh masticated mint leaves, 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave, 1/2 cup crushed ice, 2 ounce bourbon, 1/4 teaspoon yerba mate tea, 1/4 cup water
Boil 1/4 cup of water, remove water from heat just before it boils. Steep 1 teaspoon mate tea in water for 6 to 7 minutes. Let the tea cool completely before mixing with the rest of the ingredients. In a small cocktail glass, mix together mint leaves, simple syrup, bourbon, crushed ice, and a decorative sprig.
Julep Fact!
- Traditionally, juleps are served in silver or pewter cups. We prefer serving them in glasses to show off the beautiful golden color of the drink.
Photo: Tea & Stories
Ingredients: 3-4 fresh masticated mint leaves, 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave, 1/2 cup crushed ice, 2 ounces bourbon, 1/4 teaspoon mint tea, 1/4 cup water
Boil 1/4 cup of water. Remove from heat and steep 1/2 teaspoon mint tea in water for 6 to 7 minutes, or until it turns golden. Let the tea cool completely before mixing together with the rest of the ingredients in a small cocktail glass.
Rooibos Mint Julep
Photo: Tea & Stories
Ingredients: 3-4 fresh masticated mint leaves, 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave, 1/2 cup crushed ice, 2 ounces bourbon, 1/4 teaspoon rooibos tea, 1/4 cup water
Boil 1/4 cup of water. Remove from heat and steep 1/4 teaspoon rooibos tea in water for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it turns rose-colored. Let the tea cool completely before mixing together with the rest of the ingredients in a small cocktail glass.
Bring It Home
Ingredients: 3-4 fresh masticated mint leaves, 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave, 1/2 cup crushed ice, 2 ounces bourbon, 1/4 teaspoon rooibos tea, 1/4 cup water
Boil 1/4 cup of water. Remove from heat and steep 1/4 teaspoon rooibos tea in water for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it turns rose-colored. Let the tea cool completely before mixing together with the rest of the ingredients in a small cocktail glass.
