Indulge in this delightful Chocolate Mint Julep recipe! Crafted with bourbon, chocolate bitters, dark Crème de Cacao and fresh mint, this sweet & refreshing cocktail is ideal for crisp fall evenings.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 214
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- ⅔ oz Dark Crème de Cacao
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 3 dashes Chocolate bitters
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Julep Cup or Old Fashioned Glass
- Muddler
- Measuring Jigger
- Bar spoon or long stirrer
- Straw
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Pour 3 dashes Chocolate bitters into a Julep cup or Old Fashioned glass.
- Add Mint: Place 6-8 fresh mint leaves in one hand and gently smack it with the other, to release its aromas. Add the mint to the glass.
- Add Crème de Cacao: Pour in ⅔ oz Dark Crème de Cacao as well.
- Add Bourbon: Measure and pour in 2 oz Bourbon.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass three quarters full with crushed ice.
- Stir: Using a bar spoon or long stirrer, churn well to combine the ingredients.
- Add Ice: Add a straw and top up with more crushed ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with a mint sprig and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, you can use rye whiskey or brandy as a substitute. Both will give a different flavor profile but still work well with the chocolate and mint.
- Crème de Cacao: Any kind of cocoa or chocolate liqueur will work for this recipe (including white chocolate or cacao!). As a last resort, you can try using a splash of chocolate syrup as a substitute or, if you’re patient, make a homemade version by infusing cocoa beans in vodka for a few weeks and then adding sugar to taste.
- Chocolate bitters: If you don’t have any chocolate bitters on hand, you can use regular Angostura bitters as a substitute; they work very well in this cocktail too.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute. Several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own bourbon substitute by infusing together rooibos tea and a bunch of spices of your liking (vanilla and cinnamon are always a good way to start). Mix all the ingredients together, add hot water, cover and let it infuse for at least 3h (the stronger the better, so if you have time let it infuse overnight. In that case, you can either let it rest in the fridge once the liquid has cooled down). Give it a taste, adjust the spice level if necessary and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea-whiskey” can be kept for up to a week.
- Crème de Cacao Substitute: For a non-alcoholic version, you can use chocolate syrup, either home-made or store-bought.
- Chocolate bitters: Note that two or three dashes of bitter in an otherwise alcohol-free drink won’t raise the overall ABV of the drink: the drink will indeed chemically contain a drop of alcohol, but won’t make you intoxicated at all. Depending on your reason for not drinking alcohol and your degree of tolerance on the topic, you may decide to simply leave them out or to use them anyway when preparing your drink - both ways will work just fine!
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including bourbon, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process: always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan. The same goes for the Crème de Cacao, as some brands may use dairies in their production line.What is a Chocolate Mint Julep?
A Chocolate Mint Julep is a whiskey-based cocktail made of bourbon, dark crème de cacao, chocolate bitters, and fresh mint leaves. This drink is a variant of the classic Mint Julep, traditionally associated with the southern United States and most specifically the Kentucky Derby.
What is a Chocolate Mint Julep made of – The ingredients
A Chocolate Mint Julep requires these specific ingredients:
- Bourbon Whiskey: The base spirit of the drink. Its rich, full-bodied flavor adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Dark Crème de Cacao: This rich chocolate liqueur adds a smooth, chocolatey sweetness to the cocktail. The dark crème de cacao complements the bourbon and mint, providing a rich and indulgent flavor.
- Chocolate Bitters: Chocolate bitters enhance the chocolate notes from the crème de cacao and add depth and complexity to the cocktail. They bring a subtle bitterness and spiciness that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the drink.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: They add a refreshing touch to the drink and pair well with both the bourbon and the cacao liqueur.
- Crushed Ice: Serves to chill the drink quickly while diluting it slightly, making it smoother and more enjoyable to sip on.
- Mint Sprig: Used as a garnish. It enhances the aroma of the drink, making it more inviting.
