These Lemon Lavender Mint Juleps are a refreshing spring cocktail made with a homemade lavender lemon simple syrup! The perfect drink for Kentucky Derby Day or your next dinner party.
Never tried a mint julep? Here’s what you need to know.
What is a mint julep?
Let’s start with the basics. A mint julep is a cocktail traditionally made with four simple ingredients: fresh mint, bourbon, simple syrup (or sugar) and crushed ice. It’s traditionally prepared by muddling the mint and sugar or simple syrup in the bottom of a julep cup (or highball glass), then topping off with bourbon and crushed ice. After a quick stir to evenly distribute the alcohol and mint, it’s ready to be slowly sipped.
Never had a mint julep? We should probably warn you that they’re pretty strong. As in, it’s pretty much all alcohol. If you enjoy the taste of bourbon and sipping on it plain, you won’t mind. If, like us, you’re not quite as enthused about slowly sipping bourbon, our lemon lavender rendition of a julep might be for you. Note: whether you make this recipe or a more traditional version, high quality bourbon makes a huge difference!
Why are mint juleps associated with the Kentucky Derby?
The mint julep has been around for quite a while. It’s been assumed that mint juleps originated as early as the late eighteenth century in the southern US. Originally prescribed as a tonic, the mint julep later became a popular cocktail in Kentucky and Virginia.
In 1938, the mint julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby after a contract was formed by Churchill Downs and one of the largest American-owned wine and spirits companies. Since then, mint juleps have been served in mass quantities at the Kentucky Derby each year.
Over the two-day event, 120,000 mint juleps are sold and consumed at the Kentucky Derby each year. That’s a whole lot of bourbon! Fun fact: there’s a special edition mint julep that can be purchased for a whopping $1,000, with proceeds going to allegedly going to charitable causes for retired horses. I think I’ll pass – it’s much better at home, anyways!
Lemon Lavender Mint Juleps
Although our version of a mint julep is a bit more involved than the traditional version, it’s well worth the effort. Homemade lemon lavender simple syrup is easy to make, and the rest of the cocktail is the same as usual. We’ve also included a mocktail version in the notes section of the recipe card!
Step 1: Muddle mint Step 2: Simple syrup Step 3: Bourbon Step 4: Ice, garnish, enjoy!
Homemade simple syrup is incredibly easy to make, so we like to make a big batch and save the leftovers for another cocktail. Another idea: pair this simple syrup with vodka and a bit of lemonade. Yum!
Not sure where to purchase dried lavender buds? We’ve seen them at some specialty health stores (Whole Foods included). If all else fails, you can always find them online – here’s a brand we love! You can also use dried lavender in tea, baking recipes and DIY beauty products.
Made it this far and still not sure if you want to make a mint julep? Here are a few more of our favorite spring/summer cocktails:
- Blueberry Lavender Margaritas
- Berry Basil Moscow Mules
- Key Lime Cucumber Gin Cocktail
- Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas
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These Lemon Lavender Mint Juleps are a refreshing spring cocktail made with a homemade lavender lemon simple syrup! The perfect drink for Kentucky Derby Day or your next dinner party.
Ingredients
Lemon Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 1-inch pieces of lemon peel
- 1 1/2 tsp dried lavender
Cocktail:
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1 1/2 oz lemon lavender simple syrup
- 3 mint leaves
- Crushed ice (enough to fill glass)
- For garnish: more mint, lemon peel, lavender (optional)
Instructions
Simple syrup:
- Add water and sugar to a small pot over medium-high heat. Heat until sugar dissolves, stirring often.
- Add lemon juice, lavender and lemon peel. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover with a lid and let sit for 30-60 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh colander to remove lemon peel and lavender buds and store in a glass jar until ready to use.
Cocktail:
- In a glass of choice, gently muddle mint with simple syrup. (If you muddle too much, the mint will become bitter.)
- Add bourbon and ice, stir and garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
To make a mocktail version, swap the bourbon with 2 oz of lemonade. It’s delicious and so refreshing!
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