With a hot summer headed our way, this mint julep mocktail mixed with cherry syrup, fresh blackberry, and mint is an excellent way to cool down.

Our version of the blackberry mint julep is a copycat of the Oak Alley Plantation recipe.

Try this virgin mint julep recipe to keep cool this summer.

Cherry + Blackberry Mint Julep | Virgin Mint Julep

On a recent trip to New Orleans for a plantation tour, I had the most amazing Mint Julep at Oak Alley Plantation.

Filled with blackberry, mint, and crushed ice, this was the perfect way to cool down in Louisiana’s muggy heat.

When I came home, I knew I had to try to recreate their blackberry mint julep. On their website, they share a recipe for their famous mint julep.

I took the mint julep recipe and added some ingredients to make my version of Oak Alley’s Blackberry Mint Julep.

I added cherry syrup, lemonade, as well as fresh blackberries, mint syrup, fresh mint, sugar, and ice.

Get the recipe below!

What You Will Need To Make Our Virgin Cherry + Blackberry Mint Julep

Fresh Blackberries & Mint Leaves. Mudding both ripe, juicy blackberries and fresh mint is how we create a fruity and herbaceous base for this easy-to-make mocktail.

Mint Syrup and Cherry Syrup. We are straying from the original mint julep recipes by adding both mint and cherry syrup. Doing so adds an extra boost of mint flavor and gives it a bit of fruit-forward tartness, which balances out the sweet ingredients.

Ice. And lots of it. Also, ice is one of the main ingredients when making a proper mint julep because the ice helps dilute the whiskey found in a traditional mint julep. But with now whiskey, our mocktail has summer carnival slushie vibes. That’s way okay with me!

Lemonade. Warm weather calls for lemonade; adding this all-American refreshment is a great way to keep them returning for more!

Garnish. When it comes to adding a bit of garnish, I love to add garnishes that add a little razzle-dazzle! Fresh mint is always a good look, and add a wedge of lemon and a few blackberries, and you’ve got yourself a mocktail to remember! Cheers!

Ingredients for Cherry + Blackberry Mint Julep:

3-4 fresh blackberries
4 fresh mint leaves
1 bar spoon of mint syrup (or mint julep cocktail syrup)
1-ounce cherry syrup
crushed ice
3 1/2 ounces of lemonade
fresh whole blackberries for garnish
a sprig of fresh mint for garnish, a wedge of fresh lemon on a cocktail stick
serve with a straw

Note: if you cannot find mint julep cocktail syrup, you can use the recipe below to make mint syrup.

Directions:

Add fresh mint leaves and two blackberries, and muddle into a mixing glass; add simple mint syrup and mint. Muddling will break apart the mint leaves and release the oils that give this drink its signature minty taste.
Fill the mixing glass with crushed, shaved, or pebbled ice.
Add cherry syrup and top with chilled lemonade.
Use a long-handled bar spoon to give the drink a stir.
Put a scoop of ice into a serving glass.
Pour the mixture into the serving glass over the ice.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, a wedge of lemon, and 2 ripe juicy blackberries.
Serve.

This is a mocktail version. You could easily add some bourbon for an adult version of our mint julep recipe.

Ingredients + Directions for Mint Syrup (from Oak Alley Plantation)

2 cups sugar
8 oz water (1st step)
12 oz water (2nd step)
8 mint sprigs for boiling
5 sprigs for garnish

Directions on making mint syrup:

Dissolve the sugar in 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add eight mint sprigs.
Stir until the leaves are soaked and limp. Simmer for 10 minutes uncovered.
Remove from heat, cool, and strain.
When the mixture has cooled, add the remaining water and mix well.

Does mint and blackberry go together?

Yes, blackberry and mint do go together very nicely.

The sweetness of the blackberry really works well with the warm mint tones.

The two flavors offer a nice pairing that is very popular for warmer months.

What can I use to add a bubbly texture to the drink?

You can use bubbly flavored water or lemon-lime soda or Ginger Ale.

These will add a nice bubble texture to the drink, elevating the flavors even more.

What does a julep mocktail taste like?

Minty, sweet, and a very refreshing and cooling drink.

The mint adds a nice cooling effect to the drink that really elevates all the flavors of the drink.

This is a very popular drink that people enjoy with all types of fruit paired with mint.

Can I change up the fruit used in this mocktail?

Feel free to change up the fruit you use in this virgin julep.

I have found that even strawberries or raspberries taste incredible with this drink. It is full of sweetness and pairs well with mint.

Can I make this in a larger batch?

Go ahead and make a double, triple, or even a pitcher of this virgin drink. Whip it up, then pour and serve as you like.

Just remember the ice will melt and water down the flavor if you do not drink it immediately.