Bourbon Mint Cooler
A refreshing summer sipper with bourbon's smokiness harmonized by fresh mint and zesty lemon in a light, bubbly finish. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together ounces bourbon, fresh mint leaves, ounce fresh lemon juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces club soda
- 1 sprig mint
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves with 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice and 1/4 ounce simple syrup for 10 seconds until mint oils release.
- Step 2: Add 2 ounces bourbon and 3 large ice cubes, then shake vigorously for 20 seconds until chilled and frosted.
- Step 3: Strain into a highball glass filled with 3 large ice cubes, top with 3 ounces club soda, stir once to combine, and garnish with a mint sprig.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon Mint Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Bourbon Mint Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover bourbon mint cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon Mint Cooler?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bourbon Mint Cooler for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What should I serve with Bourbon Mint Cooler?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing! So easy to make and the mint is fresh.
- ★★★★★
This is the perfect summer drink! My kids loved it too.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the refreshing taste, but the mint was a bit too intense for my family. Next time I'll use less.
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