14 Mint Juleps You've Got To Make For The Kentucky Derby

Julie R. Thomson
Updated

Don't be fooled by the mint julep's sprig of mint and fancy pewter cup -- it is not a frilly cocktail. Made with a little bit of sugar, lots of ice and a heavy dose of bourbon, this refreshing drink aims to please everyone. And that it does, especially on a hot day. While the cocktail's origin is disputed, one thing we know for sure is that it hails from theAmerican South, where they desperately need a cure for hot summer days.

The mint julep is thetraditional cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, but we think this iconic American cocktail deserves attention on the other 364 days of the year as well -- especially because it can be made with unlimited flavors, like rhubarb, blood orange and even sweet tea.

We pulled together some of our favorite mint julep recipes, both classic and variations, to help you enjoy this cocktail every day of the year. Even if you don't own a pewter cup.

Classic Mint Julep

<strong>Get the <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/27858-mint-julep" target="_blank">Classic Mint Julep recipe</a> from Erik Lombardo via Food52</strong>
Get the Classic Mint Julep recipe from Erik Lombardo via Food52

Rhubarb Mint Julep

<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.fashionablehostess.com/rhubarb-mint-julep/" target="_blank">Rhubarb Mint Julep recipe </a>from Hungry Girl Por Vida</strong>
Get the Rhubarb Mint Julep recipe from Hungry Girl Por Vida

Blueberry Mint Juleps

<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/04/blueberry-mint-juleps/" target="_blank">Blueberry Mint Juleps recipe</a> from How Sweet It Is</strong>
Get the Blueberry Mint Juleps recipe from How Sweet It Is

Blood Orange Mint Julep

<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.climbinggriermountain.com/2014/03/foodie-fridays-blood-orange-mint-julep.html" target="_blank">Blood Orange Mint Julep recipe</a> from Climbing Grier Mountain</strong>
Get the Blood Orange Mint Julep recipe from Climbing Grier Mountain

Matcha Mint Juleps

<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.bojongourmet.com/2014/04/matcha-mint-juleps.html" target="_blank">Matcha Mint Juleps recipe</a> from The Bojon Gourmet</strong>
Get the Matcha Mint Juleps recipe from The Bojon Gourmet

Strawberry-Infused Mint Julep

<strong>Get the <a href="http://cookieandkate.com/2012/strawberry-infused-bourbon-and-mint-julep/" target="_blank">Strawberry-Infused Mint Julep recipe</a> from Cookie + Kate</strong>
Get the Strawberry-Infused Mint Julep recipe from Cookie + Kate

Sparkling Ginger Mint Julep

<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/sparkling-ginger-mint-juleps/" target="_blank">Sparkling Ginger Mint Julep recipe</a> from Gimme Some Oven</strong>
Get the Sparkling Ginger Mint Julep recipe from Gimme Some Oven

Blackberry Mint Julep

<strong>Get the <a href="http://thechicsite.com/2014/05/16/blackberry-mint-julep/" target="_blank">Blackberry Mint Julep recipe</a> from The Chic Site</strong>
Get the Blackberry Mint Julep recipe from The Chic Site

Muscovado Mint Juleps

<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.bojongourmet.com/2015/04/muscovado-brown-sugar-mint-juleps.html" target="_blank">Muscovado Mint Juleps recipe</a> from The Bojon Gourmet</strong>
Get the Muscovado Mint Juleps recipe from The Bojon Gourmet

Pineapple Mint Juleps

<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2014/04/pineapple-mint-juleps/" target="_blank">Pineapple Mint Juleps recipe</a> from How Sweet It Is</strong>
Get the Pineapple Mint Juleps recipe from How Sweet It Is

Sweet Tea Mint Juleps

<strong>Get the <a href="http://spicysouthernkitchen.com/sweet-tea-mint-juleps/" target="_blank">Sweet Tea Mint Juleps recipe</a> from Spicy Southern Kitchen</strong>
Get the Sweet Tea Mint Juleps recipe from Spicy Southern Kitchen

Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep

<strong>Get the <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/4173-kentucky-colonel-mint-julep" target="_blank">Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep from Food52</a></strong>
Get the Kentucky Colonel Mint Julep from Food52

Cherry Mint Julep Slushies

<strong>Get the <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/04/cherry-mint-julep-slushies/" target="_blank">Cherry Mint Julep Slushies recipe</a> from How Sweet It Is</strong>
Get the Cherry Mint Julep Slushies recipe from How Sweet It Is

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.