Mint Julep Month

Raise a glass to Mint Julep Month!

April is here, and that means it’s officially time to celebrate Mint Julep Month in full style! As the countdown to Kentucky Derby season begins, there’s no better way to embrace the energy of spring than with this iconic blend of bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint, and crushed ice in hand. It’s more than just a cocktail—it’s a ritual, a symbol of Southern charm, and the ultimate kickoff to the most exciting time of year in Kentucky. Whether you’re sticking with a classic julep or exploring creative new twists, April is your excuse to sip, savor, and celebrate every refreshing moment. Cheers to julep season!

Brown Derby Riff

Bright, herbaceous, and effortlessly refreshing, the Brown Derby Riff is a modern spin on a prohibition-era favorite. Featuring New Riff Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon, this cocktail balances richness with citrus and a fragrant rosemary finish—perfect for a sunny Derby afternoon.

Recipe courtesy Catherine Manabat, Hospitality Manager at New Riff Distilling, Newport, Ky.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces New Riff Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
  • ½ ounce rosemary-infused honey syrup*
  • 4 ounces Q sparkling grapefruit
  • Rosemary sprig, for garnish

Instructions: Add 1 cup of hot water to 1 cup of honey, whisking until fully combined. Add sprigs of rosemary and allow to infuse for 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out the rosemary and discard it.

*Rosemary-infused Honey Syrup

  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 3 sprigs of rosemary

Instructions: Add bourbon and honey syrup into a shaker tin. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass, top with sparkling grapefruit, and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Strawberry Fennel Mint Julep

A fresh, modern twist on the Derby staple, this Mint Julep introduces strawberry sweetness and a subtle fennel note for a unique garden-inspired sip.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe strawberry
  • 4 mint leaves
  • 1½ ounces fennel seed simple syrup
  • 4 ounces strawberry seltzer
  • Crushed ice

Instructions: Muddle the strawberry and mint leaves in a julep glass. Add simple syrup and crushed ice. Top with seltzer water. Garnish with more mint.

The Brown Hotel Mint Julep

No Derby celebration is complete without a classic Mint Julep. This version stays true to tradition—cool, crisp, and unmistakably Southern.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces Maker’s Mark bourbon
  • 2 ounces mint simple syrup*
  • Crushed ice
  • Splash of club soda
  • Fresh mint sprigs
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions: Fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Add bourbon and mint syrup. Stir gently. Add a splash of club soda. Garnish with mint and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

*Mint Simple Syrup

  • Equal parts sugar and water
  • Fresh mint sprigs

Instructions: Heat sugar, water, and mint until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep until cooled. Strain and refrigerate.

Tin Roof Julep

Breaking from tradition, the Tin Roof Julep swaps bourbon for vodka and adds cooling cucumber for a crisp, modern cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce cucumber syrup*
  • 6 mint sprigs
  • 1 lemon wheel
  • Crushed ice

Instructions: Add vodka, syrup, and 3 mint sprigs to a glass. Gently muddle (press, don’t tear the mint). Fill halfway with crushed ice and stir. Top with more crushed ice. Garnish with lemon and remaining mint.

*Cucumber Syrup

  • 2 parts sugar (by weight)
  • 1 part cucumber peels

Instructions: Combine sugar and cucumber peels in a sealed bag; refrigerate overnight. Remove peels and mix syrup with equal parts water. Stir until dissolved.