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Refreshing Classic Mint Julep Slushie with Fresh Spearmint Syrup

mint julep slushie - featured image

A cool and refreshing twist on the classic mint julep, this slushie features homemade fresh spearmint syrup blended with bourbon, lemon juice, and crushed ice for the perfect summer treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh spearmint leaves, tightly packed (washed and gently bruised)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 2 oz fresh spearmint syrup
  • 1 to 1 Β½ cups crushed ice
  • Fresh spearmint sprigs, for garnish
  • Lemon wheels or twists, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the Fresh Spearmint Syrup:
  2. 1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
  3. 2. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh spearmint leaves. Cover and let steep for 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. 3. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Discard the leaves. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
  5. Prepare the Slushie:
  6. 1. Fill your blender with 1 to 1 Β½ cups of crushed ice.
  7. 2. Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 2 oz spearmint syrup to the ice.
  8. 3. Pulse or blend on medium-high until the mixture reaches a slushy consistency.
  9. 4. Taste and adjust sweetness or mint syrup as needed. If too thick, add a splash of water or more lemon juice.
  10. Serve Immediately:
  11. 1. Pour the slushie into chilled glasses or julep cups.
  12. 2. Garnish with fresh spearmint sprigs and a lemon twist.
  13. 3. Serve with a sturdy straw or small spoon.

Notes

Use fresh spearmint leaves for best flavor; avoid dried mint. Bruise leaves gently before steeping to release oils without bitterness. Use a blender pulse method for best crushed ice texture. Make slushie just before serving to avoid dilution. For a mocktail, replace bourbon with sparkling water or ginger ale and adjust syrup sweetness. Syrup can be made up to two weeks ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: mint julep, slushie, bourbon cocktail, fresh spearmint syrup, summer drink, refreshing cocktail, homemade syrup, easy cocktail