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.
![FNK_Mint-Julep-Cupcakes_s4x3.jpg](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/fnk-mint-julep-cupcakes-s4x3.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill)
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.
![FNK_Mint-Julep-Milkshake_s4x3.jpg](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/fnk-mint-julep-milkshake-s4x3.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill)
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.
![FNK_Mint-Julep-Whoopie-Pies_s4x3.jpg](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/fnk-mint-julep-whoopie-pies-s4x3.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill)
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.
![FNK_Mint-Julep-Granita_s4x3.jpg](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/fnk-mint-julep-granita-s4x3.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill)
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.
![FNK_Mint-Julep-Jelly-Shots_s4x3.jpg](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/fnk-mint-julep-jelly-shots-s4x3.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill)