13 Refreshing Takes On The Mint Julep

Annnnnd we're off!

Don't be fooled by the mint julep's sprig of mint and fancy pewter cup -- it is not a frilly cocktail. Made with a little bit of sugar, lots of ice and a heavy dose of bourbon, this refreshing drink aims to please everyone. And that it does, especially on a hot day. While the cocktail's origin is disputed, one thing we know for sure is that it hails from the American South, where they desperately need a cure for hot summer days.

The mint julep is the traditional cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, but we think this iconic American cocktail deserves attention on the other 364 days of the year as well -- especially because it can be made with unlimited flavors, like rhubarb, blood orange and even sweet tea.

We pulled together some of our favorite mint julep recipes, both classic and variations, to help you enjoy this cocktail every day of the year. Even if you don't own a pewter cup.

1

Classic Mint Julep

James Ransom/Food52
Get the Classic Mint Julep recipe from Erik Lombardo via Food52
2

Rhubarb Mint Julep

Hungry Girl Por Vida
Get the Rhubarb Mint Julep recipe from Hungry Girl Por Vida
3

Blueberry Mint Juleps

How Sweet It Is
Get the Blueberry Mint Juleps recipe from How Sweet It Is
4

Blood Orange Mint Julep

Climbing Grier Mountain
Get the Blood Orange Mint Julep recipe from Climbing Grier Mountain
5

Matcha Mint Juleps

The Bojon Gourmet
Get the Matcha Mint Juleps recipe from The Bojon Gourmet
6

Strawberry-Infused Mint Julep

Cookie + Kate
Get the Strawberry-Infused Mint Julep recipe from Cookie + Kate
7

Sparkling Ginger Mint Julep

Gimme Some Oven
Get the Sparkling Ginger Mint Julep recipe from Gimme Some Oven
8

Blackberry Mint Julep

The Chic Site
Get the Blackberry Mint Julep recipe from The Chic Site
9

Muscovado Mint Juleps

The Bojon Gourmet
Get the Muscovado Mint Juleps recipe from The Bojon Gourmet
10

Pineapple Mint Juleps

How Sweet It Is
Get the Pineapple Mint Juleps recipe from How Sweet It Is
11

Sweet Tea Mint Juleps

Spicy Southern Kitchen
Get the Sweet Tea Mint Juleps recipe from Spicy Southern Kitchen
12

Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep

thirschfeld/Food52
13

Cherry Mint Julep Slushies

How Sweet It Is
Get the Cherry Mint Julep Slushies recipe from How Sweet It Is
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