A twist on the classic Kentucky cocktail, the Chocolate Mint Julep is a sweet sipper for spring and summer. Made with a chocolate mint-infused syrup, oaky bourbon and a heap of crushed ice, this drink is perfect for horse-race-watching and summer cocktail parties.
I always used to say I had a ‘black thumb.’
The yards of my family of gardeners are always abloom with something colorful, and they have happy indoor plants too. They know every flower name and how best to care for it.
Me on the other hand? I have struggled to keep my plant babies alive for years. But now I have a cocktail herb harden and I am loving every minute of learning to care for them.
Chocolate Mint Simple Syrup recipe
Simple syrups are such an easy way to tweak a cocktail recipe. I love infusing syrups with herbs, spices and fruits for a totally new flavor profile.
This year I bought a chocolate mint plant to experiment with, and I decided to make mint simple syrup with it for cocktail experimentation.
The leaves of this variety of mint have a distinctly chocolate fragrance that comes through as flavor when used in cooking. The result is a chocolatey, minty version of regular simple syrup.
My husband and I loved it, and we loved it immensely in the Chocolate Mint Julep, so I just had to share it with you!
Chocolate mint is a variation on the mint plant that actually smells and tastes a bit like chocolate! Just like a peppermint patty or an after-dinner mint.
The syrup would be so good in a chocolate mojito, too.
Chocolate Mint Julep recipe
Using the chocolate mint syrup in a julep recipe makes for a sweet twist on the classic Kentucky recipe. So great for the derby or all summer long, really!
If you like chocolate and mint together, you’ll love this cocktail.
The chocolate notes of the mint play into the sweet, caramel flavors of bourbon.
Served over a mound of crushed ice, this cocktail is super refreshing in the summertime.
What is a mint julep?
Made with bourbon, mint and sugar, the mint julep is a classic cocktail famous for its role in the Kentucky Derby.
If you ever watch the famous horse race in May, you can catch guests sipping on these whiskey cocktails from silver cups called “julep cups.”
Similar to a copper mug (affiliate link) for Moscow mule cocktails, these metal cups keep the drinks ice cold on a hot summer day.
Chocolate Mint Julep
A twist on the classic Kentucky cocktail, the Chocolate Mint Julep is a sweet sipper for spring and summer. Made with a chocolate mint-infused syrup, oaky bourbon and a heap of crushed ice, this drink is perfect for horse-race-watching and summer cocktail parties.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce chocolate mint simple syrup
- 5 ounces bourbon
- crushed ice
- more mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add whiskey and the chocolate mint simple syrup. Top with ice and replace the lid. Shake briefly.
- Pack two julep cups or rocks glasses with crushed ice. Top with cocktail mixture, then more crushed ice. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 3 ouncesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 192Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 5gProtein: 0g
Donald Zimmerman says
I like this recipe. I have a huge mint bed. My wife loves Mojitos and I am a julip fan. I think next spring we will add some chocolate mint not to the garden mix!
Susannah says
That sounds amazing, Donald! You should definitely incorporate Chocolate Mint into your garden — it’s so good!
desmond says
does chocolate get added in the recipe?
Susannah says
Hey Desmond, this is a great question. I used the chocolate mint plant to make the chocolate mint simple syrup — it grows with a chocolate flavor so I did not add additional cocoa or chocolate. However, you could make it with actual chocolate or cocoa instead if you prefer or if you cannot find the chocolate mint plant. I have not tried that myself with this julep recipe, but if you do please let me know!
//susannah