If you've ever watched the Kentucky Derby, you've probably seen a mint julep in hand, and this strawberry mint julep is my fresh, spring-ready take on that Southern classic. It's cold, refreshing, and honestly easier to make than you'd think, which makes it perfect for hosting or a simple porch drink.
Traditionally made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice, a mint julep is simple but so refreshing, and adding strawberries gives it a naturally sweet, fruity twist that feels perfect this time of year.
As a Southern dietitian, I love taking those classic drink recipes we all know and making them feel a little more approachable for real life. This version keeps that signature bourbon and mint flavor, but adds just enough brightness to make it feel fun, seasonal, and easy to serve whether you're hosting for Derby Day or just sitting out on the porch.
If you're planning a full Derby spread, pair this with my hot brown sliders for a fun, handheld twist on a classic Kentucky combo.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, real flavor from the syrup: Using homemade strawberry mint syrup gives this drink a naturally sweet, bright flavor that you just don't get from store-bought mixers.
- Minimal ingredients, big payoff: You only need a handful of simple ingredients, but they come together in a way that is full of flavor.
- A fun twist on a Southern classic: It keeps that traditional mint julep feel while adding a fresh, seasonal spin that makes it stand out.
Strawberry Mint Julep Ingredients
Just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients come together to make this cocktail feel really balanced and flavorful.
- Fresh strawberries: Look for bright red, juicy strawberries with no white tops since riper berries will give your syrup a naturally sweeter and more vibrant flavor.
- Fresh mint leaves: Choose mint that smells fragrant and looks bright green, and avoid over-handling it so it stays fresh and not bitter.
- Granulated sugar: This helps create a smooth, balanced syrup, and you can slightly adjust the amount depending on how sweet your strawberries are.
- Bourbon: A classic like Woodford Reserve is perfect for that authentic Kentucky Derby feel, but any smooth bourbon you enjoy will work well.
- Crushed ice: Using crushed ice is key for a true julep since it chills the drink quickly and softens the bourbon as it melts.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
If you love bourbon cocktails, you'll also want to try my cranberry bourbon drink for another easy option that's perfect for hosting.
Substitutions & Variations
There are plenty of ways to make this fit what you have on hand or the vibe you're going for.
- For a mint julep mocktail, swap the bourbon for sparkling water or lemonade to keep it light, refreshing, and perfect for all ages.
- Turn this into a batch pitcher to make hosting easier and more relaxed. Mix the bourbon and strawberry mint syrup ahead of time and just pour over crushed ice when serving.
- Frozen strawberries work well when fresh berries aren't in season, since they break down easily in the syrup and still create a rich, fruity flavor.
- Try other berries like raspberries or blackberries to give this julep a different seasonal twist!
How to Make a Strawberry Mint Julep
Here's how to bring this strawberry mint julep together in just a few easy steps.
Step 1: Make the strawberry mint syrup.
Add 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup sugar, ¾ cup water, and 5 mint leaves to a saucepan, then bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, lightly pressing the strawberries as they soften, then remove from heat, let it cool completely, and strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids so you're left with a smooth syrup.
Step 2: Fill your glass halfway with crushed ice, then pour in 2 ounces of bourbon and 1 ounce of strawberry mint syrup.
Step 3: Gently stir to combine, top with more crushed ice until the glass is full.
Step 4: Garnish with fresh mint and a strawberry before serving.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Mint Juleps
A few small tips will help you get a perfect mint julep cocktail every time.
- Allow the strawberry mint syrup to cool completely before mixing to keep the drink from getting watered down.
- Use crushed ice instead of cubes to give this strawberry mint julep its signature texture. As the crushed ice melts, it naturally balances the bourbon so each sip stays smooth and refreshing!
- Gently pressing the mint helps release fresh flavor without bitterness. When you add mint to the glass or garnish, you want to lightly bruise it rather than aggressively muddle it.
Hosting Idea: Build-Your-Own Julep Bar
If you're hosting, this is such a fun and easy way to serve these without overthinking it.
Set out:
- Simple syrups such as strawberry mint, blackberry basil, or spicy peach
- Variety of bourbons
- Crushed ice
- Fresh mint and fruit garnishes
- Optional add-ins like lemon slices or sparkling water
It lets everyone customize their drink, and it keeps things relaxed so you're not stuck making cocktails all night.
Storage
A little prep ahead makes this even easier to enjoy whenever you're ready.
- The strawberry mint julep is best enjoyed fresh, since the crushed ice will melt and dilute the drink if it sits too long.
- Leftover syrup: Store the strawberry mint syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days so it's ready whenever you want to mix a drink.
FAQ
Woodford Reserve is the traditional Derby choice, but any smooth, mid-range bourbon works well depending on your preference.
Yes, just add a little more syrup or a splash of sparkling water or club soda to lighten it up.
You can, but the flavor will be sweeter and less fresh compared to homemade strawberry mint syrup, which gives this drink a more balanced and natural taste.
Crushed ice is traditional because it chills the drink quickly and slightly dilutes the bourbon for a smoother sip, but you can use regular ice if that's what you have on hand.
A traditional julep cup is great if you have one, but a rocks glass or even a mason jar works just as well for serving at home.
More Recipes You'll Love!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you!
Jessie
Strawberry Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients
For the strawberry mint syrup
- 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 5 fresh mint leaves
For the julep
- 2 oz bourbon Woodford Reserve recommended
- 1 oz strawberry mint syrup
- crushed ice
- fresh mint and strawberry for garnish
Instructions
- Make the strawberry mint syrup. Add strawberries, sugar, water, and mint leaves to a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, lightly pressing the strawberries as they soften, then remove from heat, let cool completely, and strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids.
- Fill your glass halfway with crushed ice, then pour in 2 ounces of bourbon and 1 ounce of strawberry mint syrup.
- Gently stir to combine, top with more crushed ice until the glass is full.
- Garnish with fresh mint and a strawberry before serving.
Notes
- Crushed ice is key for a classic strawberry mint julep, since it chills the drink quickly and slightly mellows the bourbon as it melts.
- Let the strawberry mint syrup cool completely before mixing, so the ice doesn't melt too quickly and dilute the drink.
- You can adjust the amount of syrup depending on sweetness preference, especially if your strawberries are very ripe.
- Store leftover strawberry mint syrup in the fridge for up to 5 days, so it's ready to use for more drinks or mocktails.
- For a batch version, mix bourbon and syrup ahead of time, then pour over crushed ice when serving for easy hosting.
Leave a Reply