Celebrating the Derby or relaxing on a hot summer’s day, both are perfect reasons to enjoy my peach tea mint julep, a unique twist on a classic cocktail.
This peach tea mint julep is as refreshing as an iced tea but isn’t too sweet. Subtle peach flavor mingles with bourbon and mint in a way that will impress even the most dyed in the wool southerner.
Nothing feels as classic or as Southern as a mint julep! Just the mention brings about visions of oversized hats, silver cups and shiny coated horses. And you don’t actually have to attend the Kentucky Derby to experience the glamour and spectacle of the run for the roses.
A number of years ago my friend Kelly hosted a fabulous Derby Day party. She has always loved horses, and since we live in horse racing country here in Jefferson County, West Virginia, it was a natural excuse to get friends and neighbors together.
The ladies wore big hats, the men donned bow ties and I think everyone came bearing a bottle of bourbon. It was a memorable experience, not to mention my first ever taste of a mint julep. In these modern times, we have to make up reasons to dress up and live it up… so take this as your cue to get together friends for some cocktails and frivolity.
And boy do we have a Peach Tea Mint Julep recipe that’s a southern belle! We’ve taken a little artistic license by using a rich syrup made with Harney and Sons Peach and Ginger Tea for our mint julep. I’m a long time fan of their blends and this one is nice because it’s peach forward but isn’t saccharine. The peach flavor adds a subtle twist to the cocktail but doesn’t overwhelm the bourbon. It’s like a mash up of sweet peach tea and a mint julep!
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HOW TO MAKE A MINT JULEP
The very first thing you need to know about a making a mint julep is you need a glass overflowing with crushed ice. If you serve a mint julep with ice cubes to a southerner, they are likely to respond with a “bless your heart” which is not a compliment!!!! The ice must be crushed or better yet, shaved.
Now, if you’re lucky enough to own silver julep cups, use them! If not, a small high ball will do. Our sweet vintage glasses hold eight ounces of liquid, making the perfect ratio of ice to cocktail.
Next you need a cocktail shaker. You never want to muddle in a delicate glass because it’s likely to shatter. This is a vintage Noritake shaker I found in a thrift store. It’s etched with a wheat pattern and has a silver top, which makes it perfect for entertaining, but any utilitarian shaker will do.
Start by gently muddling 5-6 mint leaves and then add half an ounce of the peach tea syrup and muddle a little more.
Next, add 2.5 ounces of good bourbon. We used Four Roses Small Batch which is a great value. You don’t want to mix cocktails with a high priced bottle of bourbon, but you also don’t want to use the cheap stuff either. This bourbon is also 90 proof, so it holds up better in melting ice.
Now add ice cubes and shake.
Strain the peach tea mint julep into the glass and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint. And I mean fresh! If it looks wilted in the store, it will never hold up as a garnish. The best option is picking the mint yourself and placing it in water immediately. If you don’t grow mint yourself, consider buying a plant or find some at a local farm stand.
Now isn’t she as pretty as a peach? I reckon all y’all will want to sip these out on the veranda when the weather gets hot! This peach tea mint julep is as refreshing as a glass of iced tea and perfect for an afternoon watching the horses run… or maybe doing nothin a’tall!
Peach Tea Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients
Peach Tea Rich Syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons loose leaf peach tea
Peach Tea Mint Julep
- 5-6 mint leaves
- 1/2 ounce peach tea rich syrup
- 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 1 sprig mint for garnish
Instructions
Peach Tea Rich Syrup
- Combine the sugar and water in a small pot.
- Place the pot over medium heat, stirring every minute or two until the sugar melts.
- Once the sugar has completely melted, add the tea and bring to a boil for one minute.
- Take the pot off the heat, cover and let steep for an hour.
- Strain the syrup through a sieve, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Peach Tea Mint Julep
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves.
- Add the simple syrup and muddle a little bit more.
- Add the bourbon and ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain into a glass filled to overflowing with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Notes
- The syrup can be made 1-3 days in advance. However, the syrup has a tendency to crystallize. Reheat the syrup before serving to melt the sugar crystals.
- The syrup should make roughly 4 ounces, enough for eight cocktails.
Nutrition
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Jean says
Kitty, that sounds delightful! I’d like to grab one of those to have with my pimento cheese tea sandwiches on the veranda. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! Pinning.
Vintage Kitty says
I think we are going to be fast friends Jean!
aditi says
so refreshing and inviting. Its summer time here and all i needed is this recipe.Have to try this one. Perfect cooler i must say.Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Vintage Kitty says
I’m jealous of your summer. We’ve had a very late spring, so the plants are still waking up!
Elaine says
How fun! I love the idea of peach and mint together – Oh, and of course the bourbon! ;) These peach mint juleps look so delicious and refreshing!
Vintage Kitty says
Of course the bourbon!!!!! ;-) Thanks Elaine!
Natalie says
Oh this looks so refreshing and super easy to make. I love peach flavor so I know I will love this. Cheers!
Vintage Kitty says
It’s super easy! Hope you love them Natalie!
Jessica Robinson says
I’m in the South too and I have to admit I’ve never had a mint julep. But, this peach tea mint julep is got me wanting to sip it on the back porch while the sun sets!! Looks amazing! Your pics are so pretty and so wonderfully detailed!
Vintage Kitty says
Thanks Jessica. It’s a summer sipper for sure!
Patti @ Patty Cake's Pantry says
Those mint juleps look too pretty to drink, but I might make the sacrifice. The combination of flavors is amazing. The peach and ginger tea was a great idea. I can’t believe that tomorrow’s the Kentucky Derby. It sort of snuck up on me this year. At least, I’ve got my cocktail.
Vintage Kitty says
Everything has snuck up me this year! I’m blaming it on the late spring.
Jenni LeBaron says
I love blending peaches and mint together. This recipe is totally up my alley. What a great quencher for warm, sunny days!
Vintage Kitty says
Mint and peaches are a wonderful pairing!
Ashley says
This looks like such a fun spin on a classic cocktail! I absolutely love your styling in the photos, and those glasses are just gorgeous!
Vintage Kitty says
Thanks Ashley! I had been eyeing these glasses at my local indoor flea market…finally broke down and bought them and I’m so glad I did!
Kiki Johnson says
I’ve actually never had a mint julep in my life but it aure sounds delicious. I love the sound of the peach simple syrup in combination with some fresh mint. Sounds like the perfect summer drink
Vintage Kitty says
Hope you get to sip one this summer Kiki!
Sharon says
This is a great drink! I love the rich syrup that you made to go with it. I can see enjoying this many times over the warmer months.
Vintage Kitty says
Glad you liked it Sharon! Here’s to a summer filled with mint juleps!
Kushi says
This is something new to me. Looks so refreshing and gorgeous.
Vintage Kitty says
Thanks Kushi!
Anna says
Wow! These photos are absolutely stunning! Just looking at them makes me wanna reach for one of these drinks! Perfect recipe to add to my cocktails list!
Vintage Kitty says
Thanks Anna!
Claire says
Mint is so refreshing! I’m definitely going to bookmark this recipe so I can try it this summer.
Vintage Kitty says
Hope you love it Claire!
Noelle says
Actually, I’m not a tea person but your pictures make me want to try this. Thanks for sharing this lovely cocktail!
Vintage Kitty says
I think you’ll love it Noelle! Cheers!