The Best Mint Lime Julep Drink Recipe

If you're looking for the perfect citrus cocktail for warm spring and summer afternoons, this refreshing mint lime julep is exactly what you're looking for!

When you hear the word julep, what do you think about it?

Perhaps you picture fancy ladies in wide-brimmed hats sipping from their cups at the Kentucky Derby. Or maybe you're not familiar with this drink at all. But either way, you should definitely give it a try! 

Want to know more? Keep reading to learn all about this citrus cocktail and how to make the best mint lime julep. 

What Is a Mint Julep? 

For a little background, the American mint julep originated in the south around the 1700s. And in 1938, it was labeled as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.   

A simple mint julep includes shaved or crushed ice, water, sugar, mint, and bourbon. This drink is beloved for the complementary flavors, as the bourbon provides vanilla and smoke while the mint balances it out with a crisp herbal flavor.   

But while a classic julep is great, there are tons of variations of this recipe to give it the special flair you desire.  

Mint Lime Julep Recipe 

Our little twist on this southern classic is adding lime. This is particularly wonderful in a mint julep because it's not overpowering, yet it adds a nice tang. 

Here are the ingredients:   

• 2 oz Bourbon 
• 1 oz water
• 6-8 mint leaves 
• 1/2 tsp sugar 
• Splash of lime juice OR Kaffir lime leaves
• Crushed OR shaved ice 

To make this refreshing cocktail, start by ripping up some mint and placing it in a julep cup. Add your sugar and muddle (crush and mix) the mint. Fill the cup 2/3 of the way with crushed or shaved ice. 

Pour your bourbon and water in and fill the rest of the cup with ice. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir until everything is well combined. 

Garnish with a lime wedge to finish. As an alternative, garnish with a Kaffir leaf or make a Kaffir leaf syrup (more on that below). And finally, take a sip and enjoy! 

Kaffir Lime Leaf Syrup Recipe 

Making a Kaffir lime leaf syrup will provide an extra kick of citrus and added sweetness. Put 1 to 2 tbsp of this syrup at the bottom of your glass with the mint before muddling. This will replace the 1/2 tsp of sugar. 

Here are the ingredients: 

• 8-10 Kaffir lime leaves 
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 

Start by putting all your ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool and strain to remove the kaffir leaves. 

Pour into your drink and bottle the rest with a tight lid. The syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 month. 

Now Go Make Yourself a Delicious Julep Cocktail 

There's nothing like sitting in the sun and drinking a refreshing mint julep. And you certainly don't have to be betting on a horse to enjoy one! 

So while there are hundreds of great cocktails to choose from, we challenge you to give this lime mint julep recipe a try. And who knows, it might just become a new favorite.  

Click here to shop our fresh Kaffir lime leaves!