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There’s nothing quite as cool and refreshing as a mint julep slushie on a hot day. This frozen version of the Southern classic blends bourbon with a sweet mint syrup and crushed ice for a grown-up treat that’s perfect for backyard parties, summer holidays or Derby Day. The icy texture and bright mint flavor make it feel extra special, while the simple ingredients mean you can whip it up in minutes and feel like a pro bartender without the fuss.
A frozen twist on the Southern classic, this mint julep slushie blends bourbon, sweet mint syrup, and ice for a perfectly cool and super refreshing summer sip.
Also try lemon lavender vodka, iced lavender matcha latte, New Orleans brandy milk punch, or spiced pineapple hot buttered rum toddy.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: A blender and a few ingredients are all you need.
Refreshing and cool: The slushie texture makes it ideal for warm days.
Perfect for parties: Great for entertaining or sipping during summer gatherings.
Customizable: Adjust the bourbon, sweetness and/or mint ratios to suit your taste.
Mint Julep Slushie Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mint syrup and balances the bourbon.
Fresh mint: Adds a bright, cooling flavor that defines the drink. Use spearmint (a popular choice in the South) or just regular mint. But do choose fresh mint. You can’t substitute mint essence or anything like that. Fresh mint is what makes this classic cocktail so good!
Mint simple syrup: Infuses the whole drink with sweet minty flavor.
Bourbon: The signature spirit for a mint julep, giving it warmth and depth.
Ice: Creates the frozen slushie texture.
Mint sprig: Optional garnish that adds a fresh pop of color and aroma.
How to Make a Mint Julep Slushie
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the syrup: Simmer sugar, water and fresh mint until the sugar dissolves, then strain and cool.
Blend the drink: Combine mint syrup, bourbon and ice in a blender until smooth.
Serve and garnish: Pour into glasses and top with a mint sprig.
Substitutions and Variations
Use a different spirit: Try white rum or vodka if you’re not into bourbon.
Make it non-alcoholic: Skip the bourbon and add lemonade for a mocktail version.
Add citrus: A splash of lemon or lime juice adds brightness.
Another syrup: Try this lavender simple syrup – it’s great in vodka martini but also a surprisingly taste addition to slushies and lattes.
Serving Suggestions
With a salad: Beat the heat with a peach panzanella salad or tomato burrata salad and this cooling cocktail.
With something sweet: Enjoy Mexican ice cream, a brownie sundae waffle bowl or ice cream sandwiches with your mint julep.
How to Store Frozen Mint Juleps
Store: Keep leftover syrup in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to a week.
Freeze: The blended slushie won’t freeze well (it will separate and lose the fresh mint flavor) but you can freeze the prepared syrup and ice separately.
Thaw: Let frozen syrup thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then make your cocktails.
Top Tips
Chill your glasses: A frosty glass keeps the slushie from melting too quickly.
Use crushed ice: It blends faster and gives a smoother texture.
Strain the syrup well: Removing all mint leaves ensures a clean, smooth drink.
Mint Julep FAQs
A julep, typically a mint julep, is a bourbon-based cocktail associated with the Southern United States. It’s the classic Kentucky derby day drink. This cocktail with bourbon, sugar, water, fresh mint, and ice is especially popular during the warmer months because it’s cold and refreshing.
This julep recipe with bourbon was traditionally served in pewter or silver cups which were help by the top and bottom edges so frost could form on the glass. Usually a highball glass, Collins glass or old-fashioned glass is used for the drink today but you could probably find some antique glasses if you want to enjoy an authentic julep experience! For a modern twist on the metal glasses, these stainless steel mint julep cups are great and the metal helps the drink to stay perfectly cold.
Easy Frozen Mint Julep Slushie Recipe
Mint Julep Slushie
Ingredients
For the Mint Syrup
- ¾ Cup granulated sugar
- ¾ Cup water
- ½ Cup mint, fresh
For the Mint Julep Slushies
- ¾ Cup mint simple syrup, above
- ¾ Cup bourbon
- 5 Cups ice
Optional Garnish
- 4 Sprigs mint, fresh
Instructions
- Prepare the mint simple syrup. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water and fresh mint. Cook until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain into a jar.
- Let it cool down completely.
- Add the mint syrup, bourbon and ice to the glass of a blender. Process until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with mint sprigs.
Notes
Use crushed ice: It blends faster and gives a smoother texture.
Strain the syrup well: Removing all mint leaves ensures a clean, smooth drink.
Nutrition
This frozen mint julep slushie is everything you need in a summer cocktail. It’s icy, fresh, and packed with minty goodness from homemade syrup, blended with smooth bourbon and a heap of ice. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or relaxing on the porch, this easy drink is guaranteed to keep things cool. Whip up a batch, pour into chilled glasses, and garnish with a sprig of mint for that classic look.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
this looks so refreshing. yum!