Fresh Watermelon Mint Juleps.
Let’s play a game.
I’ll go first.
Never have I ever wanted to sip on a mint julep more than this watermelon one. Right now.
Your turn!
I’ve made a bunch of similar mint juleps over the years – in a wide variety of flavors – my least favorite being pineapple but that’s probably because I was secretly pregnant at the time and couldn’t tell anyone or drink the entire thing. With how I feel about pineapple these days, I’d be all over that julep.
Blueberry was probably my fave… up until now. Watermelon anything ranks high on my list and do you want to know something embarrassing? I like watermelon flavors so much that I actually even enjoy the fake watermelon flavors sometimes.
I KNOW.
I’m the worst.
I can distinctly tell a difference when it’s artificial watermelon versus fresh watermelon, but that doesn’t mean I’ll always pass up a piece of watermelon gum (not even kidding) or some tropical drink made with so-sweet-your-teeth-hurt watermelon liqueur.
No discrimination from the watermelon gallery over here.
OH! Except. From Max.
Not, I’m not giving him mint juleps. But yes, I was giving him watermelon, because he loved it so much last summer. The past two days though, he wouldn’t even touch it and acted like it was covered in fleas or something. He looked at me like I was legitimately insane for even putting it on his plate. Maybe it was because it happened right after he licked all of the almond butter off of apple slices and found a box of graham crackers (again, yes this has happened twice) because he now sneaks into the pantry like he is 13 years old.
It’s great.
But the watermelon? He preferred squeezing it as hard as he good and drenching himself in juice.
In weirder mint julep news, last year I made this julep soaked fruit and topped it with… wait for it… fluffy whipped marshmallow. You can’t drink it over ice but you sure can eat it. Best of both worlds.
Here’s another thing! If you have someone that is completely turned off by the idea of mint juleps (cough cough, Eddie, cough), serve them a watermelon one. Or a blueberry one. Eddie has loathed bourbon of any kind for as long as I’ve known him. He tried a mint julep when he was at the kentucky derby, but couldn’t even take one for the team and tossed it immediately. Even I was freaked the first time I tried this cocktail because it
is
a
lot
of
BOURBON.
It’s strong. If you’re weird about herby mint, it’s, like, doubly strong.
But add a little fresh fruit and syrup and you might be sold.
I’m obviously sold… because it’s PINK. Like I need another reason?!
Fresh Watermelon Mint Juleps
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces fresh watermelon juice
- 1 ounce mint simple syrup
- 1 ounce club soda
- crushed ice
- fresh mint leaves
- watermelon wedges for serving
- fresh watermelon juice
fresh watermelon juice
- 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
mint simple syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 bunch of mint leaves
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, watermelon juice and mint simple syrup together and shake or stir well. Pour over crushed iced, top with club soda and serve with extra mint leaves. Garnish with watermelon triangles
fresh watermelon juice
- Add the watermelon to a high-powered blender and puree until smooth. Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup to remove any of the pulp.
mint simple syrup
- Combine sugar, mint and water together in a small saucepan and heat over high heat until simmering, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook for another minute or so, then set aside to cool completely. Remove mint before using. You can do this ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Did you make this recipe?
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I appreciate you so much!
[sidenote, “never have I ever” is such a horrible game. I had a terrible experience with it in high school and am scarred for life. need more mint juleps to get over it.]
51 Comments on “Fresh Watermelon Mint Juleps.”
It’s the crushed ice that sets this drink apart for me! Stunning visual appeal =) I grow tons of mint, it has actually taken over my side yard completely. Besides making tea with it, I have zero good ideas on how to use it. And I was thinking to about juleps and isn’t there supposed to be bloggers posting something about this now? And now you have. So you made me happy!
the crushed ice makes it for me too!!
It is freezing here in Berlin even though it’s almost May :( I just got colder
So pretty! Loving the color. I am actually not huge on bourbon either, but I’d give it another shot if it looked like this!!
mixed with the watermelon, you can BARELY tell. ;)
Yes yes yes! I was just telling Mark the other day how freakin’ excited I am for watermelon season. It looks like juleps are sort of like mojitos (which we love), so these are definitely happening this summer!
yes totally! you guys need to try.
my Aunt Elise just got an awesome metallic Mazda CX-7 SUV just by part timee work from a compute
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This Julep is so pretty!! Loving the pink, hello – mothers day brunch!! Also, those cups are GORGE! And Jess, the fake watermelon stuff … only semi judging ( noticed how I called you Jess, like we’re bff :( I’m pretty much the worst)
call me jess anytime… HA!
To everyone’s shocker, I am NOT a big fan of watermelon… I just find all the seeds so frustrating, and the fruit itself usually mealy and too sweet… But I like anything in mint julep, and am definitely pinning all three of these versions for future nights (yes, even the pineapple one!).
the fruit is kind of mealy at times! i get that.
Bourbon Juleps are my most favourite summer drink! And with my favourite summer fruit?? Weellll I just have to try this one!!
Xx Nikki | http://www.nikkibstyles.com
OMG. YES. One of my spring goals this year was to perfect my mint julep recipe. I’m a KY gal at heart & love me some bourbon & mint & have been known to eat a half a watermelon a day for breakfast in the summer #whatever so this is my dream drink.
Can’t wait to make it! & I live in Pittsburgh now, so heyyyy!
oh how exciting!!
Watermelons are my favorites too. The color combo looks awesome. Watermelons are always refreshing. Loved the idea of mint sugar syrup. Pinned for weekend refresher
Never have I ever wanted a cocktail before 10am until today. This watermelon julep looks perfect for spring!
As much as I love watermelon, I hate cutting it. This might motivate me to cut one up again!
it’s the worst. but not as bad as butternut squash.
super fake sour watermelon gummy candy = best! (actually, grapefruit is best, but maaaan, those watermelon ones are delish).
I’ll pretty much drink anything if it comes in pink.
omg yes, the grapefruit gummy candy is killer.
That crushed ice and those gorgeous slices of watermelon, YES. I actually haven’t had a mint julep I’ve liked, so just for kicks I should probably try this one, right? :)
RIGHT!
Yes! Just yes! This looks SO good! I will definitely be having one (or three) of these very soon!
xx Allison @alwayseatdessert.com
Seeing as my semester ends two days before the Derby, these drinks seem like the perfect way to celebrate only having one year of law school left. I am so jealous of your julep cups – any recommendations on where to purchase?
crate and barrel! http://www.crateandbarrel.com/mint-julep-cup/s685680
Blueberry mint juleps are my favorite, but I’ve never tried a watermelon one. Looks like a Kentucky Derby party is in order!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Um yes. These. Those cups. Watermelon everything–I’m ready! I could probably even do the fake watermelon (Like a watermelon ring pop maybe?? I don’t know, that’s what popped into my head). Love these photos obviously!
watermelon right pop – hellllllo flashback.
This looks positively slurpable – and I don’t even care for bourbon!
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I love all things Julep. We really got into the race in the years we lived in the South and I’ve carried that tradition on with a party every year which of course HAS to feature a Mint Julep. My favorite? Not sure I can decide but a Blackberry one was beautiful and delicious and a peach one not far behind. I’ve been seeing watermelon at Sprouts for a long time, thinking I might take a chance on one of them and try this next; it’s gorgeous!
Never have I ever wanted a mint julep until now. Oh my god this looks delicious.
And I always have bad experiences with Never Have I Ever :P
Wow. Looks smashing with easy to follow steps. Snaps are too too good. I gonna try this out. Thanks.
Oh wow these look delicious!
Rae | Love from Berlin
omg that looks insanely good and refreshing!! I’m definitely trying this after my exams when I’m officially on summer break! x
Ariadna || RAWR BOWS
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hi! Can the watermelon juice be made ahead of time? How long do you think it’ll keep for? Can’t wait to make these