Mint Julep Margarita
A fun alternative to a classic mint julep, this Mint Julep Margarita is made with silver tequila. It’s perfect for those who prefer tequila to bourbon, or if you just want something a bit different during Derby season!
Mint Julep Margarita Recipe
My friend Stacey has worked long and hard to help me develop a taste for tequila.
When I was younger, I only knew the cheap, amber colored tequila known as “gold tequila.” You all know the kind I’m talking about.
It’s nasty.
I don’t care how many lemons or how much salt you chase that stuff with, nothing good comes from cheap tequila.
Personally, I can only handle silver tequila which features the blue agave in it’s purest form. However, reposado (aged tequila) is reportedly very smooth, especially as you increase the vintage.
Whether you go with silver tequila or a reposado for this mint julep margarita, my rule of thumb is to pick a tequila that you can drink straight. Don’t pick something that needs to be mixed in order to taste tolerable, because that’s not going to enhance this drink!
This mint julep cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day, unwinding with friends. It would be a refreshing cocktail to serve with some spicy food, like our Spicy Fish Tacos or our Fresh Blueberry Jalapeño Salsa.
Make sure you have plenty of ice on hand for this cocktail, it helps smooth some of the aspects of tequila that non-tequila drinkers may find harsh.
Moonshine is also a good replacement for tequila if your liquor store doesn’t have a good silver tequila available in your price range.
Below I give a from-scratch recipe for mint simple syrup, but you can use pre-made syrup. I personally prefer the earthy flavor of homemade, as I’ve found that some pre-made versions can lack the complexity of real mint.
Now, technically you should be using a bourbon for this recipe – but since we’re not really going “traditional” here, feel free to swap it out for a whiskey if you prefer. Just make sure it’s smooth drinking, like Jameson.
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 Bourbon, Tequila and Triple Sec needed for this recipe from them.
Mint Julep Margarita Ingredients
- Bourbon
- Tequila
- Triple Sec
- Lime Juice
- Mint Simple Syrup, or to taste
- Additional mint, optional garnish
For the Mint Simple Syrup:
- Mint leaves
- White Sugar
- Water
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Makes 2.
Tip: swap out the homemade mint simple syrup for pre-made, if desired. Swap the tequila for moonshine. Swap the bourbon for whiskey.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Cocktail shaker or muddler
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 Margarita
Combine the ingredients (sugar, water and mint) for the mint simple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is reduced by at least half, approximately 10 minutes. You want a sticky, syrupy consistency that will coat a spoon. Remove the mint.
Let the simple syrup cool before making your cocktails.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, tequila, triple sec, lime juice and mint syrup to taste. Shake until well chilled.
Strain the cocktail mixture into two ice-filled glasses. Garnish with additional mint and enjoy immediately.
To make with plain simple syrup:
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, tequila, triple sec, lime juice and a small handful of leaves. Shake until well chilled, about 2 minutes.
Strain the cocktail mixture into two ice-filled glasses. Garnish with additional mint and enjoy immediately.
Pin this Mint Julep Margarita recipe:
Grab your free printable for our mint margarita recipe:
Mint Julep Margarita
A delicious mint julep recipe with a tequila twist! This Mint Margarita is the perfect mint recipe for Derby season
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Bourbon
- 1.5 oz Tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1.5 oz lime juice
- 1.5 oz mint simple syrup, or to taste
- Additional mint, optional garnish
For the mint simple syrup:
- 10 mint leaves (small bunch)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cups water
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients (sugar, water and mint) for the mint simple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is reduced by at least half, approximately 10 minutes. You want a sticky, syrupy consistency that will coat a spoon. Remove the mint.
- Let the simple syrup cool before making your cocktails.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, tequila, triple sec, lime juice and mint syrup to taste. Shake until well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into two ice-filled glasses. Garnish with additional mint and enjoy immediately.
To make with plain simple syrup:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, tequila, triple sec, lime juice and a small handful of leaves. Shake until well chilled, about 2 minutes.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into two ice-filled glasses. Garnish with additional mint and enjoy immediately.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Grand Marnier Liqueur, 375mL, 80 Proof
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el Jimador Silver Tequila, 750 ml, 80 Proof
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Bulleit Bourbon, 750 ml, 90 Proof
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Master of Mixes Cocktail Essentials Mint Syrup, 375 ML Bottle (12.7 Fl Oz), Individually Boxed
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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
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 426Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 34mgCarbohydrates: 207gFiber: 4gSugar: 193gProtein: 2g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
This delicious mint margarita is a fun alternative to a mint julep using tequila. It’s refreshing and strong, perfect for the end of a hot summer day.
For more delicious cocktail recipes, check out our Mail Tais with homemade Orgeat Syrup or our Frozen Strawberry Margaritas.