Our Pomegranate Lime Mint Julep Cocktail is a twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby Bourbon cocktail. Lime and pomegranate juice add a depth of flavor and ginger ale turns it into party punch for a crowd!
It’s Kentucky Derby weekend! Time for a party, a beverage and a fancy hat!
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Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
Yes folks, it’s time to don your biggest most beautiful hat, place your bets on the fastest horse and sip on a cold minty beverage.
As tradition has it, the Mint Julep is best known as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
I’ve created a new twist on this old time favorite Bourbon cocktail.
Simply infuse simple syrup with fresh mint leaves and lime slices, add pomegranate juice, ginger ale, and Bourbon, of course, and you’ll have a delicious derby punch for a crowd!
I'm a Bourbon lover and have a favorite Bourbon so I'll be making a Maker's Mark mint julep punch. But any Bourbon you use will taste delicious!
Serve in mason jar mugs with straws and a mason jar dispenser on a pretty stand for serving for an added twist on the traditional Mint Julep cups.
Suffice to say, our take on this classic Kentucky Derby cocktail, bursting with Bourbon and fresh flavors, is perfect for your get together!
It's time to place your bets and make a pitcher of our Lime Mint Julep Punch and sip on a Bourbon cocktail.
And they’re off….may your favorite horse win! Cheers!
Elevate your summer happy hour to a new level of deliciousness with our easy recipes for thirst-quenching Summer Drinks.
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FAQs
What is a Mint Julep?
Mint Julep is a cocktail or mixed drink containing alcohol. This drink is made of Bourbon, sugar, water, frsh mint and shaved or crushed ice.
What do you serve a Mint Julep in?
Traditionally a Mint Julep is served in a silver cup.
There are two main styles of julep cups, a cup with a beaded rim and a cup with bands at the top.
What is in a Mint Julep?
A traditional Mint Julep is made of:
- Bourbon
- sugar
- water
- shaved or crushed ice
- fresh mint
Swirls of Flavor Recipe Tips
- Make this recipe with lemon lime soda
- Add orange slices
- Use your favorite fruit juice in place of the pomegranate juice
Substitutions
- Make a virgin mint julep and omit the Bourbon and substitute additional juice and/or ginger ale
- Omit the water and sugar in the recipe and sweeten this easy cocktail recipe with honey simple syrup or brown sugar syrup!
Storage
- Store any leftover punch in a container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the ice will melt and water down the drink so remove any ice that you can before refrigerating.
- Also, the ginger ale will lose its fizziness, but the delicious flavor will still be there!
- As always, I find it helpful to visit the FDA website for food storage guidelines
Make Ahead Directions
- You can easily make this lime mint julep ahead. Just be sure to add the ginger ale and the ice right before serving.
- Refrigerate the mint punch (without soda and ice) in an airtight container, adding the ice and ginger ale just before serving.
Ingredients for mint julep punch
- sugar - base of a simple syrup
- water
- fresh mint - traditional flavor in this cocktail
- lime - adds a bright citrus note
- Bourbon - a whiskey with vanilla, oak and caramel flavors
- 100% Pomegranate juice - adds a slight sweetness and fruity flavor
- Ice - shaved or crushed ice are traditional but you can use ice cubes
- ginger ale - used as a mixer and adds carbonation
Related Recipes
Love Bourbon? Swirls has more Bourbon recipes for you to enjoy!
The Belmont Breeze Punch combines the flavors of cranberry and orange juices with Bourbon and the fizz of lemon lime soda making it both refreshing and mouthwatering!
Pomegranate Bourbon Punch, a perfect balance of bourbon, pomegranate juice, orange juice and ginger ale with a hint of vanilla, will quickly become your signature party punch!
Mulled Apple Cider is a delicious way to kick off the chilly autumn season. Apple cider infuses with cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger and clementines in your slow cooker for a flavorful beverage bursting with fall flavors. Just add Bourbon and slices of clementine and lime and this hot toddy will surely become a fall favorite!
Pomegranate Lime Mint Julep Cocktail
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Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves , chopped
- 4 lime slices , about 1/4″ thick
- 1 1/2 cups Bourbon
- 1 cup 100% Pomegranate juice , such as POM Wonderful
- ice
- 5 cups chilled ginger ale
- mint sprigs , for garnish
- lime slices , for garnish
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Instructions
- In small saucepot over medium-high heat bring sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer until sugar is dissolved and mixture is clear. Remove from heat.
- Add chopped mint and lime slices to simple syrup. Let stand 1 hour until cooled.
- Strain, discarding mint and lime. Chill syrup until ready to use.
- In large pitcher combine prepared simple syrup, Bourbon and Pomegranate juice.
- Just before serving add ice and ginger ale.
- Garnish with additional fresh mint and lime slices.
Notes
- Make recipe with lemon lime soda
- Add orange slices
- Use your favorite fruit juice in place of the pomegranate juice
Refreshing!