Mint julep iced tea is a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. Enjoy this cocktail for Derby Day, your next brunch at home, or just because.
Classic mint julep
The classic mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and is often found at derby parties. The main difference between the classic julep and our mint julep iced tea, is the tea. The classic julep has bourbon, sugar/simple syrup, and mint.
Mint juleps are traditionally served in silver cups to keep the drinks cold. We’re using cocktail glasses for our iced tea, but I would buck all the rules and serve these in a mason jar or a copper cup like the ones generally reserved for Moscow mules.
Mint iced tea ingredients
We’re jazzing up our mint julep with mint tea, to really bring out the mint flavor of this drink. Instead of using simple syrup we’re going to sweeten our tea.
Bourbon - I'm going with Jim Beam but feel free to use your favorite brand.
Fresh mint - fresh mint is a must to garnish this drink and add extra flavor.
Mint tea - I went with one of my favorite Moroccan mint tea from Trader Joe's. Use your favorite flavored mint tea.
Fresh Lemon - Fresh lemon juice goes well with ice tea and the slices make a great garnish.
Mint julep iced tea recipe
Mint Julep Iced Tea
Mint julep ice tea is a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. Enjoy this cocktail for Derby Day, at your next brunch at home
Ingredients
- 1 cups water
- 1 mint tea bag
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 ounces bourbon (I used Jim Beam)
- Crushed iced
- Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Add the mint tea bag to 1 cup of boiling water. Add sugar and stir. Let tea steep for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and let tea cool. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
To a shaker, add lemon juice, 1 cup of tea, bourbon and 3 mint leaves that have been (crushed with your hands) to a shaker. Shake for a few seconds then pour over a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs. Enjoy!
Notes
If you don't have a shaker, you can muddle the mint and lemon juice in a jar, then add remaining ingredients, stir, and pour over ice.
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