Cherry Mint Julep Slushies.
You know… the day when cocktails are rare? Or maybe they are more common than normal? Whatever.
There’s a reason.
It’s because: you can make this… and store it in your freezer… and take a few spoonfuls every single night this week. EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. It’s like a total treat. You can consume it all at once or you can take a few tastes (yeah right) to wind down from the day.
And if I’m really being hopeful I will pretend that you’re reading this before work/school/life begins today, that you have everything on hand, and that you’re mixing it together as we speak (read?) so it will be readily available come 5PM. I will love you forever.
I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but this guy I live with thinks the Kentucky Derby is kind of a big deal. Like – life-altering big deal. He tracks the horses for an entire year leading up to the Derby and does related horse stuff like every day of his life. I guess it’s his hobby or something, and that’s fine… I just wish I was cool enough to be invited somewhere so I could place something ridiculously obnoxious on my head while wearing a dress and seven inch heels.
But I’m not soooooo… I tend to get extremely annoyed hearing about horse racing. I hear about it every single day of my life. I fall asleep while watching Bridesmaids for the 80th time on HBO and wake up to a horse race. We won’t splurge monthly for an extra movie channel, but we do have a channel dedicated to only horse racing. They have commentators and everything. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s my husband’s dream job.
So this is what I do on Derby day: drink mint juleps. I mean, the Derby itself is super exciting, even though I tend to get absurd anxiety attacks in suspenseful situations as such. But did you know that there’s like, a billion other races BEFORE the Derby? So yeah. That day calls for multiple mint juleps. This WEEK calls for multiple mint juleps. You have to prepare or… train, if you will. Get ready!
Cherry Mint Julep Slushies
serves 2 generously
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
15 fresh mint leaves + more for garnish
3/4 cup bourbon
3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
To make the mint simple syrup: Add sugar and 3/4 cup water to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat just until it bubbles. Turn down to low for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 15-20 minutes until cooled. Remove mint.
Finely chop remaining five mint leaves. In a large measuring cup/bowl, combine bourbon, simple syrup, remaining water (1/4 cup) and cherry juice. Pour in a baking dish, then stir in chopped mint leaves. Freeze either overnight or for 6-8 hours, then scrape with a fork or spoon and place in a glass. Garnish with additional mint.
For granitas, add 1/2 cup more water, reduce the bourbon by 1/4 of a cup, and freeze overnight then scrape with a fork.
Note: if you are disgusted by my use of cherry juice in a mint julep, feel free to leave it out! Additionally, if the chopped fresh mint freaks you out, you can add whole leaves to the mixture and remove them before serving.
Oh and by the way I’m unofficially declaring this put-booze-in-your-recipes week because I, uh… accidentally on purpose and unapologetically did that to four recipes you’ll see this week.
90 Comments on “Cherry Mint Julep Slushies.”
In college, my best friends and I made our own ridiculous hats and threw a Kentucky Derby party in our backyard- preppy dressy attire required, fancy hats strongly encouraged. I just wish we’d had this mint julep recipe then because the ones we made were absolutely DISGUSTING.
For real yo? That is souther charm meets dope state. If only I could get my hands on a pitcher of this. Stat. Love it, as I always seem to do with your creations. This will be on my summer time party menu. I just need summer to hurry up now.
Looks delicious!
I’m gonna be honest you. I don’t know who you think you are posting things like what i wish was in a Sonic slushie or a mother fookin’ bacon breakfast cake but i plan on finding you. and i will find you and kiss your face and the ground you walk on.
HOW DARE YOU.
xoxoxo
brit.
Okay I COULD totally have this every night this week and the next, the next and probably for a few more “next” weeks! Love the flavor combo!
I’m totally welcoming the extra booze in my life this week. It’s only Monday, and I can already tell I’ll need it. Starting here. Love! PS: Thanks for the sanity in advance.
Did you plan a booze filled week just for me? You shouldn’t have! (Says the woman who adds rum to her french toast egg mixture…)
Oh my gosh, those glasses are b-e-a-utiful. I’m in love.
While in New Orleans I went to Patty O’Brien’s for my first mint julep. I was expecting a mojito-ish, ladylike, hot weather sipping delight. Instead I got slapped in the face with bourbon. Halfway through my face was numb. This cherry version looks much more delightful, it might restore my faith in the ole’ julep! I must try!!
I have always dreamt of being one of those ladies in an oversized hat with feathers and a dress with shoulder pads and high heels fanning myself at the Kentucky derby. Maybe it comes from my love and obsession with Pretty Woman, which I have always thought was a strange obsession, considering Julia Roberts played a hooker, the furthest from a good role model. Annnnyyyy waaayyyy…. you would think I was sipping on one of these babies as I write with all this rambling. But unfortunately that is so not the case, which means I must make these soon.
Pingback: Derby Days Soiree « Deux Maisons
Pingback: Slow Cooker Beer Carnitas Tacos | How Sweet It Is
You & Mr. How Sweet are more than welcome to come join us for our Derby party in the heart of horse country: Lexington, Kentucky. It’s a pretty big deal around these parts, & high heels & fancy headwear are encouraged!! Just know that if you do come, you will be partaking in many of your own recipe creations, as they are the only ones I make nowadays!!
…and, they’re off!!
I’m thinking of donning an oversize hat, sitting on my porch, and drinking one of these.
Pingback: Crockpot Beer Carnitas Tacos. | Lifestyle Pins
from the home of the Kentucky Derby, Louisville, Ky. I have attended many without wearing a hat and wearing comfortable shoes but I have to have the original Mint Julep sitting in my box with friends at the track. Thanks, but I’ll stick with the original Mint Julep this Saturday.
When do we add the mint leaves to the simple syrup. And how many? You tell us when to take them out, but not when to put them in. Should it be right off the bat, or wait until after it’s bubbly?
everything about your blog is wonderful,
thank you for being a fellow foodie, yay! :)))
Wow, looks so delicious, beautiful pictures:)
These are super sweet and super strong but in a good way! I would recommend maybe a little less syrup and maybe some soda to lighten it up a bit. This is the best Monday cure.
Pingback: Fresh Strawberry Coconut Margaritas | How Sweet It Is
Pingback: Fresh Strawberry Coconut Margaritas. | Lifestyle Pins
Such a pretty and refreshing looking drink. Very nice!
SO glad I am just seeing this now and NOT last week because I would have been even more of a mess on Saturday if I had been drinking these. However… I might have to save this for next year. Or just make these up during the week because they sound delightful. Done and done.
Pingback: cherry mint julep slushies : Soul Recipes
Pingback: 19 Sweet Slushies To Keep You Cool | シ最愛遲到.!
Pingback: 19 Sweet Slushies To Keep You Cooldaylish.com | daylish.com
Pingback: Cherry Mint Julep Recipe
I went to New Orleans for the first time this summer and besides making sure we tried the gumbo, jumbalaya and beingets, we were sure to try the mint julep.
While in New Orleans I went to Patty O’Brien’s for my first mint julep. I was expecting a mojito-ish, ladylike, hot weather sipping delight. Instead I got slapped in the face with bourbon.
Pingback: | BHG Delish Dish
It’s very delicious. Thanks for this useful article.
Thanks so much for this useful article.