Whether you’re dusting off your fanciest hat and planning an at-home Derby party or you just can’t resist the union of bourbon and mint in any form, rest assured that these boozy, mint julep-inspired dessert recipes might just be better than the drink.
Serve these sweets alongside a spread of Derby-worthy eats (they’re sure to carry you all the way to the finish line!), alongside a spread of Southern favorites—or anytime you’re in mood for a taste of the beloved drink.
Mint Julep Cupcakes
If downing a cupcake sounds like a lot more fun than knocking back a drink, we hear you. With a vanilla-bourbon batter and a minty bourbon frosting, these winning cupcakes come with all the flavor (and a fraction of the buzz) of the classic drink. For an extra punch of bourbon, brush some on the tops of the freshly baked cupcakes.
Mint Julep Milkshake
Clinking glasses is so much more gratifying when this creamy milk shake is involved. It’s a simple blend of quality vanilla ice cream, minty liqueur and, of course, bourbon, and once you sip it through a straw, you’ll know full well why bourbon and mint were meant to be together.
Mint Julep Whoopie Pies
If you loved whoopie pies as a kid, bring all that mint julep-y goodness into these adults-only hand-held treats. Sandwich a luxurious bourbon-spiked cream cheese filling between two green-hued, minty cakes before rolling each treat in mint sugar. Feel free to make them ahead and refrigerate until party time.
Mint Julep Granita
We didn’t think there could be anything more refreshing than a classic mint julep — until this recipe entered the race. A granita is essentially a fluffy, fancy snow cone, and this icy, adults-only version delivers big on minty refreshment.
Mint Julep Jelly Shots
Next time you need your bourbon-and-mint fix, hold the ice. These jiggly julep shots are nice, boozy and oh-so-easy to knock back. With a fresh mint leaf and a cloud of homemade whipped cream gracing each one, let’s just say these jelly shots are a lot more elegant than the ones at your average frat party.
