Strawberry rhubarb mint julep

No Derby day is complete without a mint julep in hand- and this version adds a colorful, seasonal twist to the tradition. Whether you’re trackside in a wide-brimmed hat or watching from the comfort of your backyard(or living room), this strawberry rhubarb mint julep is the ideal sip to toast the most exciting two minutes in sports. Serve it in a silver cup (I found mine for $3 at Target!), dress it up with fresh garnishes, and cheer on your favorite horse in style.

This drink balances the smooth richness of whiskey or bourbon with the sweet- tart complexity of a homemade strawberry rhubarb simple syrup, all brought to life by fresh mint and crushed ice. It’s a bright garden inspired twist on a southern classic.

Make the strawberry rhubarb simple syrup

This syrup is the heart of the cocktail, infusing each sip with summery flavor.

Ingredients for the strawberry rhubarb simple syrup:

• 1/2 cup strawberries, diced
• 1/2 cup rhubarb, sliced into 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruit breaks down and the syrup thickens slightly.
4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract the liquid. Let cool before using.

Store extra syrup in the fridge for up to a week.

Recipe

Strawberry rhubarb mint julep

(serves 1)

2 1/2 ounces bourbon (or whiskey)

1 ounce strawberry rhubarb simple syrup (recipe above)

4 fresh mint leaves (plus more for garnish)

Crushed ice

Fresh strawberry, for garnish-optional

In a julep cup or rocks glass, gently muddle 4 mint leaves with the strawberry rhubarb syrup. Don’t over muddle, just enough to release the mint’s oils. Add the bourbon (or whiskey) and stir to combine. Fill the glass with crushed ice, mounding over the rim. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of mint.

Cool, crisp, and slightly sweet with a whisper of mint, this strawberry rhubarb mint julep is perfect for Derby day, patio lounging, brunch gatherings, or simply treating yourself on a warm evening. It’s the kind of drink that turns moments into memories.

To health, wealth, and happiness! Cheers!

For another mint julep recipe try my chocolate mint julep. Or for more strawberry rhubarb recipes check out this strawberry rhubarb martini, or this strawberry rhubarb mojito, or strawberry rhubarb martini, or a very similar strawberry rhubarb bourbon smash. And I can’t forget this strawberry rhubarb moscow mule.