Orange Mint Julep
I love a classic mint julep, but I wanted to use up my oranges in the fridge and decided to make an orange mint simple syrup. I thought to myself, what cocktail could this be used in. Why a mint julep! Really this easy simple syrup can be used in anything, I like to add it to sparkling water, a variety of cocktail or even just reduce it further to top a dessert with or ice cream. But today I’m sharing the recipe for my Orange Mint Julep on the blog.
Traditionally a mint julep is bourbon (or another spirit), water, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint. As a bourbon-based cocktail, it is of course associated with the American South and the and the Kentucky Derby.
I meant to post this when the Kentucky Derby was on, but life happened and it didn’t happen. But in my world, a Mint Julep can be enjoyed any time of the year. As with most cocktails right? It’s such a simple drink to make, you just need a lot of crushed ice. Either pick some up at the store or make your own at home. I used our Blendtec blender, it did a really decent job.
Use any tumbler, copper mug or a sterling mint julep cup. These cups are on my list of barware to buy soon. Great for a few cocktails, but are the iconic cup for this recipe.
It is a refreshing cocktail, one we enjoyed a recent Saturday night at home. I plan on making this again soon, pairing it with a few small bites to eat. The simple syrup is so easy you can use limes or maybe even grapefruit instead. I think mint goes with so many fruits, you can’t go wrong.
Orange Mint Julep
A citrus twist on the classic mint julep, the drink of the Kentucky Derby and the American South. The simple syrup can be made in advance.
- SIMPLE SYRUP
- orange zest
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- mint leaves
- 1 cup orange juice
- COCKTAIL
- 1/2 orange cut into 4 pieces
- 1 oz orange mint simple syrup
- orange bitters
- 2 oz bourbon
- crushed ice
- To make simple syrup: Add 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water and 1 cup orange juice to a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil—be careful not to burn the mixture.
- Add zest from 1 orange and 1 tbsp fresh mint.
- Reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Pour into an airtight container with strainer and store in the refrigerator.
- For cocktail: Place one piece of orange into a glass with mint, 1 oz orange syrup and a few dashes of orange bitters. Try to use an old fashioned or julep cup.
- Muddle all ingredients.
- Add 2 oz bourbon and stir to combine.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice and garnish with a few mint leaves.
- Enjoy!
And don’t forget to try my Blood Orange Campari or Thyme of Your Life cocktails.
I agree – one does not need an excuse to enjoy a good cocktail, and this orange mint julep looks and sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing; you’ve just solved my end-of-the-work-week treat for this evening!
thanks amanda! glad I could help out 🙂
Mmmm this is definitely a delicious, citrus-y way to use up oranges! I find buying whenever I buy a whole bag I never end up eating all of them before they go bad. This would be a great remedy. 😉
Plus mint and bourbon…how can you go wrong? <3
right? such a good combo
I think this is in season all summer long! I like the idea of your orange version.
How lovely! Simple syrups are so easy to make and versatile in the change up of flavourings. This combination sounds great.
This looks like such a versatile syrup, thanks for posting! I have a ton of mint growing in my garden, and it’s great to have another recipe besides mojitos for a cocktail.
jealous! i wish I had a garden for mint.
I love orange everything so I’m sure this tastes amazing!
I love how your started with “but I wanted to use up my oranges in the fridge” – so many of my favorite culinary experiments have started that way. It’s a beautiful, delicious sounding drink – and certainly something I’m going to keep in mind, as I’m making my own orange bitters from scratch! Cheers!
Thanks sean, that’s usually how I come up with a recipe. Best way to experiment.
There is a restaurant near our house that has mint juleps as one of their specialties. My boyfriend gets one every time we go. It’s WAY too strong of a drink for me, but I think I’d love this orange rendition. Maybe I’ll have to try it at home!
This recipe has all the elements of a cocktail I will love. I can’t wait to try it. Hey, it’s almost the weekend!
I’ve never tried a mint julep, but I can tell by the ingredients I would love it. I”m so trying your version!
yay! thanks Liz
I don’t think I’ve ever had a mint julep but this orange variation sounds great. I wonder how it would be with whiskey instead of bourbon.
probably equally as good!
Alllll the yes! This looks amazing! Picking up some oranges asap…
Ok, now that sounds like something I could drink. Probably way too much of. I like orange and mint together.
Simple syrups can make so many great thing to drink or eat.
Love this! Will have to try it out especially since the weather is getting warmer!