A lemon lavender mint julep is the perfect drink to sip on while sitting outside and soaking up warm spring weather. While mint juleps are traditionally enjoyed on the Kentucky Derby day, it's an ultimate refreshing spring cocktail made with dried culinary lavender blossoms, fresh mint, sparkling water, and bourbon.
I high recommend using a low sugar lavender simple syrup just to help cut back on added sugar intake! I love using the simple syrup in coffee and tea lattes, as well as other cocktails like a lavender lemonade cocktail (or mocktail!).
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Full Disclosure Policy for more information.
Jump to:
Equipment
- Cocktail glass - since you muddle the fresh mint leaves with the lavender simple syrup, I recommend using glasses that have a sturdy bottom like the ones in the pictures.
- Muddler - this will help to release the aroma and oils in the mint, giving the cocktail a fragrant mint flavor! You can also use the back of a spoon if you don't have a muddler.
Ingredients
Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Honey lavender simple syrup - this homemade lavender syrup really adds a refreshing, floral flavor to the drink. Plus it's lower in sugar than traditional simple syrups!
- Fresh mint leaves - mint is a must (hence the name: mint julep)! I highly recommend using fresh mint over dried.
- Bourbon - a staple in any mint julep is bourbon! You can use your favorite bourbon of choice.
- Fresh lemon juice - lemon juice adds a fresh citrus flavor to this lavender mint julep. I always recommend using fresh juices in cooking, baking, and cocktails because they have a better taste than store-bought, but store-bought are fine too!
- Sparkling water - this is optional, however it adds a nice fizz to the drink as a topper!
How to Make a Lavender Mint Julep
1: In a sturdy cocktail glass, gently muddle the mint with the lavender simple syrup.
3: Then, pour in bourbon and lemon juice.
2: Next, add crushed ice until the glass is ⅔ of the way full.
4: Finally, top with sparkling water and garnish with fresh mint leaves and/or sprig of lavender. Enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- If you want a stronger lemon flavor or don't like lavender, you can substitute lemon simple syrup for lavender! You can also substitute plain honey or even maple syrup.
- Any bourbon can be used in this recipe.
Recipe FAQ
Yes! Both have a floral flavor and aroma, making them great compliments to each other. And they're perfect for this cocktail!
Traditionally, a mint julep is made of bourbon, lemon, sugar, and hot water. This spin on the classic recipe is refreshing and light!
They can be but it all depends on the recipe or person making the drink. The sweetness is totally customizable in this recipe and it even uses a lower sugar lavender simple syrup!
Your favorite! Since this drink is primarily bourbon, you want to use one that you like.
What to Snack on While Enjoying this Cocktail
Want more healthy recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Click here to join The Perfect Pear newsletter!
If you give this recipe a try, please rate and review it below! I would love to hear your feedback. Also snap a photo and tag me on Insta @theperfectpearr so I can see your creation!
PrintLavender Mint Julep
A lemon lavender mint julep is the perfect drink to sip on while sitting outside and soaking up warm spring weather. While mint juleps are traditionally enjoyed on the Kentucky Derby day, it's an ultimate refreshing spring cocktail made with dried culinary lavender blossoms, fresh mint, sparkling water, and bourbon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4-5 leaves fresh mint (plus 2-3 for garnish)
- 1 ½ ounces lavender simple syrup
- Crushed ice
- 1 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 2 ounces bourbon
Instructions
- In a cocktail glass, muddle mint leaves with lavender simple syrup.
- Add crushed ice until glass is mostly full.
- Pour in bourbon and lemon juice.
- Stir, garnish with a fresh mint leaf and/or lavender sprig, and enjoy!
Notes
- Any bourbon can be used in this recipe.
- If you want a stronger lemon flavor or don't like lavender, you can substitute lemon simple syrup for lavender! You can also substitute plain honey or even maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 6
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: best bourbon for mint julep, lavender mint julep, lemon mint julep, lavender mint cocktail, how to make a mint julep
Leave a Reply