A mint julep always sounds so classic and refreshing… until you order one and realize it’s a strong, bourbon-based drink! This Champagne Julep Cocktail brings a lighter, effervescent touch to the classic that seems a bit more fitting to celebrating on hot summer days.

I first shared this Fizzy Julep recipe on my friend’s blog, Amanda’s Cookin’.

The Mint julep is the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby and has been for nearly a century, so I can’t think of one without the other. When I went to Kentucky for a weekend last year, there was no doubt what my drink order was going to be – and let’s just say I’m shocked that 120,000 of these get served every year at the Kentucky Derby and people still feel cognizant enough to socialize and bet on the races!

(However, once a bit of the ice melted I was able to sip on it quite nicely. And I should add that I’m not a whiskey or a scotch drinker, but I am slowly coming around to brandy.)

I like to think of this fizzy take on the mint julep as what you’d order if your horse wins the race!

It’s a fun, celebratory drink that is smoother than a traditional mint julep but still has all of the flavor. I tried it both with and without the sugar and I think it really depends on how dry your champagne is, but I preferred it without.

Tip: I often order my liquor from Drizly because they have a quick delivery time (sometimes within 40 minutes) and no expensive mark-ups. Purchasing from them supports local retailers, too. You can order the Champagne and Whiskey needed for this recipe from them.

Ingredients for Champagne Julep Cocktail

• Handful of mint
• White Sugar, optional
• Bourbon or Whiskey
• Ice
• Champagne

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Kitchen Materials You May Find Helpful:

• Liquid Measure
• Cocktail shaker
• Herb keeper

I really loved using my gorgeous Omishome Bartending Kit to make this recipe. The pretty bamboo holder contains all of the tools you need to make perfect cocktails, and those pretty gold tools add a touch of class to your home bar set-up.

How to Make a Mint Julep with Champagne

Place mint in the bottom of your cocktail shaker and muddle.

Add ice and bourbon. Shake well until fully chilled, about 1 minute.

Strain and pour into two champagne flutes.

Top with champagne and additional mint for garnish. Serve.

Pin this fun mint-spiked cocktail:

Print your copy of our mint cocktail here:

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Yield: 2 cocktails

Champagne Julep Cocktail

Print

An effervescent take on the classic Mint Julep cocktail. This champagne cocktail is smoother than a traditional mint julep but still has all of the flavor

Ingredients

• Handful of mint
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 4 oz bourbon or whiskey
• Ice
• 6-8 oz champagne

Instructions

1. Place mint in the bottom of your cocktail shaker and muddle.
2. Add ice and bourbon. Shake well until fully chilled, about 1 minute.
3. Strain and pour into two champagne flutes.
4. Top with champagne and additional mint for garnish. Serve.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Organic Mint, .75 oz Clamshell
• 
  Jameson Original Irish Whiskey, 750 ml, 80 Proof
• 
  Omishome Complete Bartender Mixology Kit - Elegant Gold Finish Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker Set with Bamboo Stand and 6 BONUS Sturdy Stainless Steel Straws - A Superb Bartending Set
• 
  Riedel O Wine Tumbler Champagne, Set of 2
• 
  Veuve Clicquot Champagne Yellow Label Brut, 750 ml

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 875Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 47mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 0gSugar: 27gProtein: 0g

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Do you have a special occasion coming up that this mint julep champagne cocktail would be perfect for?

For more delicious cocktail recipes check out my favorite Mai Tai recipe (with easy homemade syrup) and our dirty Doctor Pepper cocktail recipe.