Chocolate Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

Twisting the classic mint julep idea just a bit, this variation substitutes crème de cacao for the sugar, adding a chocolate flavor that pairs well with both bourbon and mint.

By
Daniel Gritzer
Daniel Gritzer
Daniel Gritzer
Senior Culinary Director
Daniel joined the Serious Eats culinary team in 2014 and writes recipes, equipment reviews, articles on cooking techniques. Prior to that he was a food editor at Food & Wine magazine, and the staff writer for Time Out New York's restaurant and bars section.
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Updated May. 03, 2019
mint julep
Vicky Wasik

Why It Works

  • Crushed ice chills the drink rapidly and keeps it cold.
  • Crème de cacao delivers more than enough sweetness on its own, so no extra sugar is necessary.

Twisting theclassic mint julepidea just a bit, this variation substitutes crème de cacao for the sugar. It's a liqueur that's sweet enough to do the work of the sugar, while adding a chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with both the vanilla-caramel bourbon notes and the fresh mint.

Your best bet is a good-quality crème de cacao that has a true chocolate-and-vanilla flavor, not a cloying, artificial one; one of the best is Tempus Fugit. Do bear in mind that this version of a julep leans a little on the sweet side, a natural consequence of its overall sweet flavor profile.

再保险cipe Facts

Active:5 mins
Total:5 mins
Serves:1 serving

Rate & Comment

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  • 10mintleaves, plus a generous bouquet of mint sprigs for garnish

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (22ml)crème de cacao, preferably Tempus Fugit or another high-quality brand

  • 2盎司(60ml)bourbonor rye whiskey (see note)

  • Crushed orshaved ice

Directions

  1. In a julep cup or large rocks glass, gently muddle mint leaves until lightly bruised, then swab the glass's sides with the mint's aromatic oils. Add crème de cacao and bourbon or rye and stir well. Half-fill glass with crushed ice and stir to combine. Fill glass completely with crushed ice and stir until outside of glass frosts. Add more crushed ice, heaping generously, then garnish with sprigs of fresh mint. Serve, adding a short straw if desired so that the fragrance of the mint bouquet will greet the drinker with each sip.

Notes

Rye tends to be less sweet-tasting than bourbon, which you may prefer if you find the combination of chocolate notes and bourbon a little too sweet. It's a matter of personal taste, but worth experimenting with if desired.

Special Equipment

Muddler, Lewis bag, julep cup or large rocks glass

This Recipe Appears In

Nutrition Facts(per serving)
197 Calories
0g Fat
11g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition LabelHide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 197
% Daily Value*
Total Fat0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol0mg 0%
Sodium3mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein0g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 4mg 0%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 10mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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