This Blackberry Mint Julep is a fresh twist on the classic Southern cocktail! Made with juicy blackberries, cooling mint, and smooth bourbon, it’s the perfect sipper for Derby Day, backyard parties, or warm summer evenings.
This blackberry Mint Julep has been hanging out on my site for years, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to fancy up a warm day. It’s minty, fruity, and just bourbon-y enough to make you feel like you’re on vacation, or at the Derby in a very cute hat! Totally gives me the same thrill as my strawberry pom mojitos and mimosas… which I’m currently craving.
Why I Love This Blackberry Mint Julep Recipe
- It’s a twist on a classic. We’re keeping the mint julep vibes but adding blackberries for a sweet, juicy upgrade.
- It looks gorgeous. I mean, purple cocktails with mint sprigs? Hello, backyard glam.
- You barely need a recipe. Muddle, pour, sip, repeat. This blackberry mint julep is low-effort, high-reward; just how we like it!
Ingredients For This Blackberry Mint Julep
- Blackberries – Fresh, juicy blackberries give this cocktail its fruity sweetness and that gorgeous deep purple color. Frozen berries will work too, but thaw them first.
- Mint Leaves – Mint is essential for that classic julep flavor. Go for fresh sprigs, and don’t be shy about using extra for garnish.
- Sugar – Just a bit of sugar helps pull the juices from the blackberries and mint when you muddle. You can use honey or simple syrup if that’s what you have on hand.
- Bourbon – Pick your favorite bourbon because it’s the backbone of the drink!
- Crushed Ice – This isn’t optional, it’s the whole julep vibe. Crushed ice keeps things extra cold and melts just enough to mellow everything out.
How To Make Mint Juleps with Blackberries
Wait until you see how easy this is. It just requires a little bit of prep on your part, in the form of combining the ingredients in a pitcher or bowl, and muddling them all together until sweet and juicy.
- Muddle the blackberries, mint, and sugar in a bowl or pitcher to release the flavor.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to press out all that goodness, then toss the leftover seeds and solids.
- Fill your glasses all the way up with crushed ice.
- Pour the blackberry-mint mixture evenly into each glass, right over the ice.
- Top each drink with bourbon, give it a gentle stir if you’d like, and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
- Sip and smile! These go down smooth, so maybe pace yourself… or don’t. 😉
Katerina’s Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it a mocktail. Skip the bourbon and top it off with sparkling water or ginger ale for a deliciously fizzy non-alcoholic version.
- Use frozen berries. If fresh blackberries aren’t in season, thawed frozen ones also work. If you’re feeling inspired, take a peek at my grapefruit rum cocktail or white claw slushies for more fun, fruity twists you can add to your next homemade mint julep.
- Swap the sugar. Try honey or maple syrup for a little twist in sweetness.
- Use simple syrup. If you don’t feel like muddling sugar, swap it for simple syrup – it dissolves instantly and blends right in. Just combine equal parts sugar and water (like ½ cup of each) in a saucepan. Set the pan over medium heat, stir until the sugar dissolves, then cool and store it in the fridge.
- Pitcher it! Want to serve a crowd? Multiply the ingredients and mix it up in a big pitcher, but wait to add the ice until serving.
What To Serve With A Mint Julep
When I’m serving these Blackberry Mint Juleps, I like to pair them with a few Southern-inspired favorites to really set the vibe. With deviled eggs, crispy fried chicken, flaky biscuits, and bourbon balls, we’ve basically got a full-on Derby Day spread without even trying.
ENJOY!
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Muddle. Combine the blackberries, mint leaves, and sugar in a small pitcher or bowl; muddle or mash the ingredients together until juicy.
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Strain. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl, pressing against the solids with a rubber spatula; discard the seeds.
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Assemble. Fill 4 rocks glasses all the way up with crushed ice. Divide the blackberry mixture evenly between all the glasses.
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Finish and serve. Top with bourbon. Garnish with mint and serve.
Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 7.6mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
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