Our Blueberry Maple Mint Julep is a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic Southern cocktail, just in time for the Derby season and the blossoming beauty of springtime. With a nod to Maine’s wild blueberries and pure maple syrup, this delightful concoction marries the spirit of the Kentucky Derby with the charm of New England. As you sip this delightful libation, imagine the thundering hooves of thoroughbreds racing past blooming dogwoods and azaleas. Raise a toast to the enchanting essence of spring and the exhilarating thrill of the Derby with this captivating Blueberry Maple Mint Julep. Just don’t forget to wear an apron when you make it, you wouldn’t want to get your seersucker dirty!
Makes
1 drinkIngredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- ½ oz pure Maine maple syrup
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz wild blueberry puree made from fresh or frozen Maine wild blueberries
- crushed ice
- mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the blueberry puree: In a blender, puree 1 cup of fresh or thawed frozen wild blueberries until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the skins and seeds. Set aside 1 oz of the strained puree for the cocktail, and save the rest for other uses or future cocktails.
- In a mixing glass or shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the maple syrup to release the mint's flavor. Be careful not to tear the leaves, as this can cause bitterness.
- Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and blueberry puree to the mixing glass. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled and combined.
- Fill a rocks or julep glass with crushed ice, and strain the cocktail mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh wild blueberries and a mint sprig.
