We’re taking the classic mint julep, adding simple strawberry syrup to create a visually stunning Strawberry Mint Julep.

Just in time to enjoy during the Kentucky Derby or for a strawberry summer cocktail on a hot day.

How to Make a Strawberry Mint Julep Cocktail

It’s that time of year! The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and like clockwork, it is sure to be one heck of a ride. So, pick your pony, grab a big steaming bowl of Kentucky Burgoo stew, and enjoy our Strawberry Mint Julep.

Are you feeling lucky? If so, you may want to test your lucky stars and pick the winning pony in this year’s Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby isn’t just another horse race; for many, it is The Horse Race event of the year.

When is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby has always started on the first weekend in May in Louisville, Kentucky, since 1875.

The Kentucky Derby is on May 4th, 2024.

What is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is all about putting on the ritz as American royalty put on their finery of double-tailed suits for the gentlemen and flowery dresses and wide-brimmed Southern Belle hats for the ladies.

The Kentucky Derby is two weeks of revelry and a gallant affair. And, with a prize purse of 2 million dollars, it’s no mean feat and nothing to sneeze at!

What is the official drink for the Kentucky Derby?

In honor of the Kentucky Derby, we’ve reimagined the traditional Mint Julep, which has been the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby for as long as anyone can remember.

A Mint Julep is an iced cocktail with fine Kentucky bourbon, mint, ice, and sugar syrup.

We’ve added fresh, plump, juicy strawberries and simple strawberry syrup to the mix to add an element of springtime freshness, and it is so good. To be honest, we think it’s better than the original, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.

So, tell us, who are you putting your money on?

Try these virgin mint julep recipes:

Blackberry Mint Julep

Blue Rose Mint Julep Mocktail

Kentucky Derby Entries

Check online for this year’s pool of possible pony victors.

If you are lucky, you will pick the pony that will wear this year’s Run of the Roses, which adorns the winning horse in a garland of 554 red roses. Choose wisely, and have fun with it.

But right now, let’s make our julep.

Ingredients You Will Need To Make A Strawberry Mint Julep

Bourbon. A good mixing bourbon will do; save the really good high-shelf bourbon for sippin’.

Fresh Mint. You can’t call it a Mint Julep with fresh mint! Muddling the mint leaves breaks them apart and releases the oil, which gives a traditional mint julep its signature taste.

Strawberry syrup and Mint Syrup. You can make this simple strawberry syrup or purchase a Strawberry syrup. Same with the mint simple syrup—make it homemade, or purchase a mint syrup for this recipe.

Fresh Strawberries. I love topping this beautiful drink with a stack of halved strawberries on a cocktail stick. It looks incredible and is a great way to make this cocktail stand out.

How to make a mint julep with strawberries

Serving Size: 1

Ingredients:

2 ounces of a good Bourbon
5 mint leaves
1 bar-spoon of mint simple syrup
1-ounce simple strawberry syrup
ripe strawberries
sprig of mint
crushed ice

Tools you may need:

Directions:

In the bottom of a glass, add five fresh mint leaves and a bar spoon of mint simple syrup. Use a cocktail muddler to break apart the mint leaves to release their oils.
Fill the mixing glass with fresh crushed ice, one ounce of strawberry syrup, and an ounce and a half of bourbon.
Stir vigorously with a bar spoon and pour into a serving glass half-filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with fresh strawberries and a sprig of fresh mint.
Serve. Cheers!

Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.

How do you muddle mint leaves?

Place your mint in the bottom of the glass, and then with your cocktail muddler, gently press down on the mint leaves to release the oils.

You will do this 3-5 times. Don’t overpress; the key is gentle and easy, so it releases the oils but doesn’t just demolish the leaves.

What can I use if I don’t have a muddler?

Grab the back of a wooden spoon or even a large spoon that has a flatter bottom so it works when pressing the leaves.

Feel free to look around your kitchen and find something with a flat end that you can easily press the leaves into the glass.

Is mint julep a girly drink?

Mint juleps are not a girly drink, as some think.

This well-known cocktail has a base of bourbon, which brings in a rich caramel tone that is perfect for any gender to sip on.

What does muddled strawberry mean?

Muddled strawberries mean to lightly mash your fruit.

This will help release the strawberry flavor and mix well with the other ingredients in the drink.

So you can enjoy each flavor of the ingredients in every sip.

Can you store leftovers?

The ice will water down a cocktail once it melts., so we don’t recommend storing it.

However, if you have some leftover, drain the ice and store the rest in a sealed container.

Then store for 1-2 days.

It won’t have quite the fresh flavor, but it will last.

This classic cocktail is just one way to enjoy The Kentucky Derby.

You could also change out the strawberry mint syrup and strawberries to create another flavor.

Love Bourbon cocktails? Try some of these:

Rhubarb & Strawberry Bourbon

Bourbon Sweet Tea

Bourbon Margarita Punch