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Mint Julep Recipe with Blackberries and Lemon
5 from 36 votes

Mint Julep Recipe with Blackberries and Lemon

This Mint Julep variation features blackberry syrup and lemon juice, blended with fresh mint and bourbon for a refreshing, fruit-forward cocktail. The syrup provides fruity sweetness, balanced by lemon acidity, complemented by the herbal aroma of muddled mint leaves. Served over crushed ice in chilled cups with garnishes, this julep is vibrant and cooling with a smooth, citrusy finish.

Prep Time
50 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4 juleps
Calories: 127 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pint blackberry rinsed and left slightly damp, plus additional berries for garnish
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 24 mint divided, plus additional for garnish, leaves
  • 4 tablespoons lemon divided, freshly squeezed juice
  • 1-1/3 cup bourbon , divided
  • ice for filling julep cups, crushed
  • lemon for garnish, curled rind

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place metal mint julep cups in the freezer to chill before serving. 
  2. In a bowl, combine berries with granulated sugar. Let stand for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until berries release their juices and form a syrup. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on berries to release juices. Discard solids. You should have about 1/2 cup blackberry syrup. 
  3. Place 2 tablespoons blackberry syrup in each julep cup. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 6 mint leaves to each cup. Muddle the mint leaves into the syrup in each cup just until lightly crushed (don't overdo it, or the mint will become bitter). 
  4. Add 1/3 cup (about 2.5 ounces) bourbon to each cup and fill with crushed ice. Stir until the cup starts to look frosty on the outside. Add additional ice to the cup to fill. Serve, garnished with mint leaves, curled lemon peel, and additional berries, if desired. 

Notes

  • Use equal parts strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a triple berry variation.
  • Add sparkling water for a fizzy cocktail twist.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and use lemonade, sparkling water, or ginger ale.
  • Let berries macerate with sugar to enhance syrup extraction.

Nutrition Information

Calories 127kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 1g (2%) Sodium 2mg (0%) Potassium 145mg (3%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 15g (30%) Vitamin A 380IU (8%) Vitamin C 20.1mg (22%) Calcium 32mg (3%) Iron 0.7mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 juleps

Amount Per Serving

Calories 127

% Daily Value*

Calories 127kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 1g 2%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 145mg 3%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 15g 30%
Vitamin A 380IU 8%
Vitamin C 20.1mg 22%
Calcium 32mg 3%
Iron 0.7mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.