Herbal Sparkling Mint Julep
A refreshing take on the traditional julep, featuring muddled fresh mint and a lively splash of soda for effervescent lift. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon, leaves fresh mint leaves, simple syrup (1:1) 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 210 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 oz bourbon
- 10 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz simple syrup (1:1)
- 2 oz club soda
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 10 fresh mint leaves and 1 oz simple syrup into a sturdy rocks glass. Gently muddle the mint with the syrup for about 10 seconds to release aroma without tearing leaves.
- Step 2: Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice, then pour 2 oz bourbon over the ice.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 15 seconds to combine and chill the mixture.
- Step 4: Top the glass with 2 oz chilled club soda and stir once more lightly.
- Step 5: Fill the remainder of the glass with crushed ice to mound above the rim.
- Step 6: Garnish with a small sprig of fresh mint, lightly slapped to release fragrance, inserted at an angle. Serve with a straw.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbal Sparkling Mint Julep take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Herbal Sparkling Mint Julep?
Refrigerate any leftover herbal sparkling mint julep 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 Herbal Sparkling Mint Julep?
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 Herbal Sparkling Mint Julep 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 goes well with Herbal Sparkling Mint Julep?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
