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This frozen mint julep takes the classic cocktail and gives it a frosty twist! Such a refreshing cocktail and can be served with or without alcohol.
Admittedly, my focus on our Derby day snack table the first Saturday in May has always had far less to do with the favorite drink than the handfuls of SNACK. Think licorice Scottie dogs, olive oil chex mix, stovetop popcorn…. Which is ironic, given how mint-crazy we are here and how few mint juleps weโve actually imbibed.
I was especially intrigued when I was gifted with a cocktail book that claims the origins of the classic mint julep are far far from Kentucky, and situating the start directly in the Middle East! What?! Any quick search online traces it clearly: Julep derives from the Persian gulab and the Arabic julab.
The early drinks were to do with rose water, and always to do with refreshment. Makes so much sense, given the affinity in all things Lebanese for a sprig of fresh mint anywhere and everywhere possible.
Hereโs my take on an incredibly delicious drink, Derby or no and summer heat or no: Just a good handful of mint, cucumber for extra-freshness and body, lemonade and ice to slushie this up. Donโt worry, thereโs no dram of rose water hereโbut a dram of bourbon will do just fine.
Ingredients for Frozen Mint Juleps
Ice. Because slushie! Any ice works here but ice that is already in smaller chunks will be easier to blend thoroughly.
Lemonade. If you use premade lemonade there is no need for simple syrup in the drink. The sweetness and tartness are delivered with the lemonade.ย
Cucumber. 1 pickling cucumber, cut in chunks, will do it.
Fresh Mint. More is better! A big handful of fresh mint leaves.
The alcohol. Kentucky Bourbon (any good bourbon will do), vodka, or gin.
Directions for the cocktail
An additional initial step you could add to this is freezing the serving glasses for a frosty twist.
Step 1. Blitz everything in a blender at once.
Step 2. Serve immediately!
Easy!
Variations for Frozen Mint Juleps
A squeeze of lime juice added in is delicious too. Include that in addition to the lemonade.
Make fresh mint lemonade with your own mint syrup using my favorite recipe for that. This is simple and involves infusing simple syrup in a small saucepan with fresh mint leaves.
Another flavor explosion is to substitute the cucumber with the same amount of fresh pineapple for an unforgettable pineapple mint julep.
โServe frozen mint juleps in classic silver julep cups or as I like to do, in clear glasses so the gorgeousness can shine through.
Go very Middle Eastern here and use licorice-flavored liqueurs such as arak or ouzo.
What to serve with Mint Juleps
All-time favorite snack for crunching with a refreshing drink is my Olive Oil Chex Mix with 7 Spice. Try my favorite Lebanese 7 Spice from my shop.
Popcorn always delivers! Make it delicious with my Stovetop Popcorn seasoned any which way.
Looking for Licorice Scottie Dogs? Here! And more great licorice here.
Frozen Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ice
- 1 1/2 cups lemonade
- 1 4-inch cucumber, cut in chunks
- Big handful fresh mint leaves
- 2-3 drams Bourbon, vodka, or gin
Instructions
- Blitz everything in a blender and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Iโm wondering if any cucumber type will work.
Iโm only growing the lemon cukes this year!
This looks and sounds delicious and refreshing! Now I know what to do with all this mint sprouting around the house! Next, I must put lemons on the grocery list for lemonade. Thank you!
This slushie is absolutely perfect for your abundant mint! Soooo goooood! Enjoy!