Classic Mint Julep with Bourbon Soaked Cherries
A refreshing Southern cocktail featuring the classic mint julep enhanced with bourbon-soaked cherries for a rich, sweet twist. Perfect for warm weather and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 hours (for soaking cherries)
- Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 large fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 oz (30 ml) simple syrup
- 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon (recommend mid-shelf like Buffalo Trace)
- Crushed ice, enough to fill the glass
- 6–8 bourbon-soaked cherries, pitted
- Optional: small twist of lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the bourbon soaked cherries by placing 1 cup (150 g) pitted fresh or frozen cherries in a jar or bowl. Add ½ cup (120 ml) bourbon and 2 tbsp (25 g) sugar if desired. Stir gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (preferably 48 hours).
- Chill your julep cup or old fashioned glass in the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes.
- Gently muddle 10-12 fresh mint leaves with 1 oz simple syrup in the bottom of the chilled glass, bruising the leaves without shredding.
- Add 2 oz bourbon and 3-4 bourbon-soaked cherries to the glass. Stir gently to combine. Add a twist of lemon zest if desired.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice, mounding slightly above the rim.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a couple more bourbon-soaked cherries skewered on a cocktail pick. Slap the mint sprig between your hands before garnishing to release aroma.
- Serve immediately and enjoy while the ice is crisp and the mint is vibrant.
Notes
Do not over-muddle the mint to avoid bitterness; use crushed ice for best texture and dilution; soak cherries at least 24 hours for best flavor; bourbon soaked cherries keep refrigerated up to two weeks; serve cocktail immediately due to ice melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (about 8
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 2
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: mint julep, bourbon cocktail, bourbon soaked cherries, Southern cocktail, refreshing drink, summer cocktail