This is the best hibiscus mint julep recipe because it puts an easy tropical twist on the classic cocktail in just minutes! I like to make it at home on a hot summer day and enjoy on my front porch for full southern vibes. This post will get you set to do the same.
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll love my hibiscus mojito, too!
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Mint Julep Black History
In the 1800s, John Dabney invented the hail-storm julep cocktail in West Virginia, using cognac, brandy, and Caribbean rum depending on what was available. Dabney was a formerly enslaved horse jockey and restauranteur and the classic silver julep cups we use to this day where a nod to his equestrian heritage.
The modern julep has remained southern and its horse jockey affiliation has been latched onto the Kentucky Derby. See my peach mint julep, lavender mint juleps, and sweet tea mint julep for more flavored julep drinks!
❤️ Why You'll Love this Recipe
Quick and Easy - You only need a few minutes to craft this southern libation and bar tools are optional because I've gotchu covered with simple kitchen tool substitutions below, just in case.
True Hibiscus Flavor - My spiced hibiscus simple syrup adds floral, earthy flavor and sweetness in one fell swoop. If you like zobo drink, agua de jamaíca or sorrel tea, you'll love this one.
I'm a hibiscus geek and certified whiskey girl so have even more options for you like my hibiscus old fashioned, watermelon whiskey smash, and hibiscus hot toddy!
What You'll Need for this Recipe
Bourbon Whiskey is the most commonly used liquor for a julep drink nowadays. Use Basil Hayden, Maker's Mark, Hudson or whichever brand you prefer. The mint julep is a spirit forward cocktail so I recommend using a quality whisker you'd enjoy sipping neat.
Hibiscus Syrup in place of plain simple syrup or cane sugar. Use my homemade hibiscus flower syrup for the best flavor profile!
Fresh Mint is non-negotiable because of the flavor and aroma it adds. You can't make a proper mint julep without it but you can use most any variety of mint you can find.
Crushed Ice or shaved ice or pebble ice or cobbled ice will keep the drink super cold and recreate the beautiful presentation John Dabney invented.
Pro Tip #1: If you don't have crushed ice available at home, I recommend swinging by Sonic for a cup of theirs. It's just the right texture and what I use for making a mint julep at home.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions!
Substitutions & Variations
Liquor - As I said above, the mint julep was originally made with either cognac, brandy or rum before the bourbon julep became a thing. So feel free to experiment with different spirits.
How to Make a Hibiscus Mint Julep Cocktail
Step One: Muddle the mint and hibiscus syrup together to express mint oils and combine the flavors.
Step Two: Add in bourbon and fill with ice then stir until the outside of the cup is frosted.
Pro Tip #2: Instead of a muddler, you can use the end of a wooden kitchen spoon. Try a shot glass in place of a jigger and either a teaspoon or butter knife in place of a bar spoon!
Step Three: Pile the cup with more crushed ice to form a dome on top and garnish with a bouquet of fresh mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't recommend it. The crushed ice melts over time and will dilute the drink too much. Besides, making a mint julep is quick so you can easily enjoy it on demand with no prep.
How to Serve
The most appropriate vessel for a julep is this silver julep cup or hailstorm cup because it keeps the drink very cold. And it looks fantastic too! A close second option would be a mule mug.
In the traditional presentation, this drink was packed and piled with lots of crushed ice then adorned with a bouquet of fresh mint, berries, and other small fruits. It really gives boozy sno cone vibes!
Pro Tip #3: Add a drinking straw for aesthetic and to prevent spilling.
More Favorite Hibiscus Drink Ideas
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
I hope you enjoy this southern hibiscus mint cocktail soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
📖 Recipe
Best Hibiscus Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 4 sprigs fresh mint plus more for garnish
- ½ ounce hibiscus syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- crushed ice
Instructions
- Add leaves from the four mint sprigs and the hibiscus simple syrup to the silver julep cup. Gently press the leaves with the muddler to express the oils and meld the flavors together.
- Pour in bourbon then fill cup with ice.
- Stir until the cup is frosted to the touch (about 20 seconds).
- Pack cup with more ice to create a dome of ice then garnish with a bouquet of mint. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!
Notes
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Add 1 ½ cup water, 1 ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup dried hibiscus, 2 inches fresh ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 whole cloves to a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Stir until brown sugar dissolves then bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes then turn off heat and allow syrup to cool before straining out solid ingredients.
- Jigger can be replaced with a standard shot glass.
- Muddler can be replaced with the blunt end of a kitchen spoon.
- Bar spoon can be replaced with a teaspoon or butter knife.
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