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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails

    Published: May 2, 2023 · Modified: May 2, 2023 by Pate Giltner 1 Comment

    Fresh Blackberry Mint Julep

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    This blackberry mint julep puts a fruity spin on the classic mint julep! Fresh mint and blackberries are muddled with simple syrup and bourbon for a fresh and delicious summer cocktail! 

    If you are a blackberry lover, this cocktail is for you! This is a blackberry-forward cocktail with subtle mint and bourbon notes. 

    Blackberry mint julep in a textured glass on a wood cutting board with blackberries and mint.

    Here's why you'll love this recipe:

    Mint juleps are a hallmark of spring and summer here in Kentucky; just check out my the best mint julep recipe, strawberry mint julep, and my passion fruit mint julep!

    Mint juleps are so delicious because they're so full of fresh mint flavor and covered in refreshing crushed ice. For an easy big batch to serve a crowd, you can make a simple blackberry mint syrup instead of muddling the fruit for each drink. Just add 1 ½ ounces blackberry mint syrup with 2 ounces bourbon.

    Key Ingredients:

    Bourbon, simple syrup, blackberries, and mint on a pink tile table.
    • Fresh Blackberries: this drink is mostly blackberries, so pick the most ripe berries available. 
    • Bourbon: A top-shelf, high-quality bourbon is crucial for a delicious-tasting drink.
    • Fresh mint: This recipe requires a lot of mint. Some mint leaves are chopped up and added to the simple syrup, and several sprigs of whole mint are added to the glass for more flavor and as a garnish.
    • Simple syrup: This sweetener is made with equal parts water and sugar and adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cocktail.
    • Crushed ice: Use crushed ice for a traditional Kentucky Derby-style cocktail.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Here's how to make this recipe:

    Glass full of muddled blackberries with a muddler sticking out.

    Muddle the blackberries, mint, and simple syrup in a glass.

    Crushed ice added to the blackberries.

    Add a little crushed ice.

    Bourbon and a little bit of ice added to the drink.

    Add bourbon and stir.

    Blackberry mint julep in a textured glass on a wood cutting board with blackberries and mint.

    Top with more crushed ice and garnish with more blackberries and mint.

    Top tips:

    • Make your simple syrup ahead of time and let it cool thoroughly. You can make it a week ahead and store it in the fridge.
    • Make crushed ice by adding ice to a large ziplock bag and crushing it with a rolling pin or another sturdy kitchen tool.

    FAQ

    What is the best bourbon for a mint julep?

    You can use any bourbon you like! However, I suggest premium bourbon, and here are a few of my favorites for cocktails.
    Woodford Reserve 
    Four Roses Small Batch 
    Knob Creek 

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    Print
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    Blackberry mint julep in a textured glass on a wood cutting board with blackberries and mint.

    Fresh Blackberry Mint Julep

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
    • Author: Pate Giltner
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
    • Category: cocktail
    • Method: stirred
    • Cuisine: american
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This fun and tropical spin on the classic mint julep is subtle, fruity, and totally delicious! Bourbon and passion fruit are an uncommon pairing, but the tart fruit and the sweet bourbon are a perfect match!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 5-6 ripe blackberries
    • 5-6 mint leaves
    • 1 ounce simple syrup
    • 2 ounces bourbon
    • Crushed ice

    Instructions

    1. Muddle the blackberries, mint, and simple syrup in a glass.
    2. Add bourbon, a little crushed ice, and stir.
    3. Top with crushed ice.
    4. Garnish with more blackberries and mint.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag me @thegandmkitchen — I can't wait to see what you've made!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elizabeth says

      May 06, 2023 at 10:35 pm

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    Pate Giltner holding a cupcake
    Pate Giltner holding a cupcake

    About Pate

    Hi! I'm Pate, the blogger, recipe developer, and photographer behind The G&M Kitchen!

    Raised in the heart of Kentucky, I come from a long line of passionate cooks and bakers. The kitchen was always the heart of our home, where we transformed vegetables into delightful dishes and crafted pies and cakes that emerged from the oven. This tradition of coming together through food and cooking inspired the name of my blog, The G&M Kitchen – 'G' for my father's family, the Giltners, and 'M' for my mother's family, the Millers.

    I also believe if a recipe is missing something, it's probably bourbon.

    Learn more about me →

    Hello and welcome!

    Here at The G&M Kitchen, you will find southern-inspired baking recipes with a modern twist that are easy, elegant, and fun! Everything is made from scratch, designed for the home kitchen, and is simply delicious!

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    As featured in: thefeedfeed, Sur La Table, Bake From Scratch, Foodtography School, The Bourbon Review, Bringing it Home

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