peppermint julep
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This cocktail is a candy cane all grown up! A play on the mint julep, this cocktail uses peppermint syrup as a sweetener and a candy cane as a garnish and is just so much fun! It’s also super simple - only three ingredients!
I fully believe in indulging ones inner child regularly, but for me this time of year is when I feel inspired to do this the most! There’s something about the traditions, the focus on family, and the warmth that screams - yes you’re a 32 year old woman and you should drink candy canes and whiskey!
the mint julep
The mint julep is most closely associated with the Kentucky Derby, as it has been the official drink of the even since 1938. Which makes so much sense! Bourbon + sugar + mint + crushed ice pretty much sounds like the best thing to drink in Kentucky in the heat of summer. This cocktail started as a medicinal treatment to settle the stomach in the 1700s, and always was served with ice in a silver cup, which made it pretty damn fancy at the time.
the julep cup
The julep cup is kind of similar to the Moscow mule copper mug - it’s not technically required but it’s so much more fun to use it! The outside of the cup gets super frosty and really adds an extra element to the drink. I like this one made my Barfly that I grabbed off Amazon a lot!
If you don’t have a julep cup this would work in a rocks glass as well!
peppermint syrup
So traditionally you muddle a sugar cube with mint and bourbon, but I wanted to really up the Christmas so I made peppermint syrup. It really couldn’t be simpler (or make your kitchen smell any better!). Make simple syrup as you normally would - one part water to one part sugar boiled on the stove stop until the sugar dissolves - but add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for every cup!
how to make the peppermint julep
Combine the peppermint syrup, bourbon, and a few mint leaves in your mint julep cup. Throw a ton of crushed ice on top. Stir with a candy cane, top with a healthy sprig of mint, and enjoy!
What’s your favorite Christmas inspired cocktail? If you make this be sure to let me know what you think by writing a comment below or tagging kindred.spirits.cocktails on Instagram!
Peppermint julep
Ingredients
- .5-1 oz peppermint syrup
- 2 oz bourbon
- Fresh mint
- (Optional) candy cane
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- .5 tsp peppermint extract
Instructions
- Combine 3-5 mint leaves, peppermint syrup, and bourbon in a julep glass and muddle
- Fill the glass completely with ice, stir, and top with a generous handful of fresh mint and a candy cane!
- Add water, sugar, and extract to a sauce pan
- Bring to a boil and cook for three minutes or until dissolved