Best Gin Mint Julep Cocktail

If you ask me, a mint julep made with gin is a clever twist on tradition.

This refreshing cocktail takes the classic bourbon-based Southern favorite and gives it a botanical makeover. Fresh mint leaves and simple syrup mingle with crisp gin, creating a cool, garden-inspired drink.

It’s stirred until frosty cold and served over crushed ice in the signature silver julep cup (though any tall glass works just fine). A generous mint sprig garnish adds both aroma and style to each sip.

It’s a laid-back summer sipper that feels just right for front porch afternoons or casual weekend gatherings.

What Kind of Gin Should I Use?

For this twist on a mint julep, you’ll want to pay attention to both your gin and genever choices since they work together to create the drink’s unique flavor profile. A London Dry gin works really well here – brands like Tanqueray or Beefeater have that classic juniper punch that stands up nicely to the mint. When it comes to genever (gin’s malty Dutch cousin), opt for an oude (old) style rather than jonge (young) if you can find it, since its fuller, more complex flavor adds depth to the cocktail. If you can’t track down genever, you can double up on the gin instead – just look for one that’s not too floral or citrusy to keep the drink balanced with the mint and simple syrup.

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up with your julep? Here are some helpful substitutions you can try:

• Rich simple syrup: If you don’t have rich simple syrup, use regular simple syrup (just use 2 tablespoons instead of 1), or honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and hot water). In a pinch, you can even use 2 teaspoons of sugar and stir well until dissolved.
• Mint leaves: Fresh mint is pretty crucial for a julep – it’s what makes it special! But if you’re running low, you can get by with 8-10 leaves instead of 15. Just don’t use dried mint – it won’t give you that fresh taste we’re looking for.
• Genever and gin: Can’t find genever? You can use all gin instead (2 ounces total). Or try a mix of bourbon and gin for a twist that nods to the classic mint julep. Just remember that changing the spirits will change the character of the drink.
• Club soda: Any unflavored sparkling water works here. You could also use tonic water, but keep in mind it will add some sweetness and bitterness to your drink.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making a Gin Mint Julep is roughly handling the mint leaves – instead of crushing them aggressively, gently press them against the glass with a muddler to release their oils without creating bitter flavors from broken leaves.

Temperature control is crucial – using crushed ice rather than regular cubes not only keeps your drink properly chilled but also creates that signature frost on the outside of the glass, while adding too much club soda can water down your cocktail and throw off the carefully balanced flavors.

When it comes to the simple syrup, less is more – you can always add more sweetness, but too much sugar at the start will overpower the subtle botanical notes of your gins. For an extra-special touch, chill your glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before preparing the drink, and make sure to give the mint sprig a gentle slap between your palms before garnishing to release its aromatic oils.

What to Serve With Gin Mint Juleps?

Since gin mint juleps are refreshing cocktails that shine at summer parties and gatherings, they pair wonderfully with light appetizers and snacks. A plate of cucumber sandwiches or smoked salmon crostini matches the drink’s fresh, herbal notes perfectly. I like to set out a bowl of salted nuts – especially marcona almonds or pistachios – since they complement the botanical flavors in the gin. For outdoor parties, you can’t go wrong serving these drinks alongside grilled shrimp skewers or a cheese board featuring mild cheeses like fresh mozzarella or goat cheese with herbs.

Storage Instructions

Prepare: This gin mint julep is best enjoyed fresh, right after mixing. The bubbles from the club soda and the freshness of the mint leaves are at their peak when first prepared. If you’re planning to make these for a party, you can prep some components ahead.

Make Ahead: You can make the rich simple syrup up to 2 weeks in advance – just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. For easier serving, you might want to measure out the gin and genever portions ahead of time, but don’t mix with other ingredients until you’re ready to serve.

Prep Tips: While mint leaves should be used fresh, you can keep them ready by wrapping them in slightly damp paper towels and storing in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll have fresh mint on hand whenever you’re craving this cocktail!

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	5-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 150-200
• Protein: 0-1 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14-18 g

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon rich simple syrup
• 15 large mint leaves
• 1 ounce genever
• 1 ounce gin
• A splash of club soda
• Mint sprig for garnish

Step 1: Muddle the Mint and Simple Syrup

In a julep cup, begin by combining the mint leaves and simple syrup.

Gently muddle them together to release the mint’s flavorful oils without tearing the leaves excessively, which could result in bitterness.

The goal is to create a mint-infused syrup base for your drink.

Step 2: Add Spirits and Ice

Pour the genever and gin into the julep cup over the muddled mint and simple syrup.

Fill the cup generously with crushed or pellet ice to chill the mixture and ensure a refreshing, icy experience.

Step 3: Mix with Club Soda

Top off your drink with club soda.

Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly to combine all the flavors.

The stirring will help to integrate the mint-infused syrup with the spirits and club soda, ensuring a balanced taste throughout.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing your drink with a fresh sprig of mint.

This not only adds a visual appeal but also enhances the minty aroma as you sip.

Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing mint julep variation!