Georgia Mint Julep Cocktail Drink

Georgia Mint Julep

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

This Georgia Mint Julep recipe is your ticket to a delightful cocktail! It’s an easy-to-make drink that uses simple ingredients and is as refreshing as flavorful.

Georgia Mint Julep Recipe

Our easy Georgia Mint Julep recipe adds a southern spin to your drink! Enjoy the blend of bourbon, peach liqueur and fresh mint over crushed ice for a refreshing spring cocktail.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

195 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • ¾ oz peach schnapps
  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
  • Crushed ice
  • Peach slice and mint sprig, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Julep Cup or Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon or long stirrer

Instructions

  • Add Angostura aromatic bitters: Pour 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters into your Julep cup or Highball glass.
  • Add Peach Schnapps: Add ¾ oz peach schnapps.
  • 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 Julep cup or Old Fashioned glass.
  • Add Bourbon: Measure and pour 2 oz Bourbon into the glass.
  • 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: Place a mint sprig and a thin slice of peach on top of the glass and sprinkle with icing sugar for garnish. 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 in this cocktail.
  • Peach Schnapps: If you can't find peach schnapps, use peach liqueur or brandy instead. You could also use a peach-flavored syrup if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
  • Mint Leaves: If fresh mint isn't available, you can use a few drops of mint extract. Be careful, though; it's potent stuff!
  • Angostura Bitters: Opt for orange bitters it will slightly alter the final result but it will still deliver a good taste.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute available in most supermarkets and do a good job mimicking bourbon's flavor.
  • Peach Schnapps Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic peach syrup or juice.
  • Proceed As Usual: Avoid the Angostura bitters and use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Make sure to use alcohol brands that are vegan friendly as some may involve the use of animal products during manufacturing. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories
195
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Fiber
 
0.02
g
0
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Potassium
 
3
mg
0
%
Protein
 
0.01
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
13
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
0.1
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.04
mg
0
%

 

Georgia Mint Julep Cocktail Drink

Georgia Mint Julep Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Our easy Georgia Mint Julep recipe adds a southern spin to your drink! Enjoy the blend of bourbon, peach liqueur and fresh mint over crushed ice for a refreshing spring cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 195

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • ¾ oz peach schnapps
  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
  • Crushed ice
  • Peach slice and mint sprig - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Julep Cup or Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon or long stirrer

Instructions

  • Add Angostura aromatic bitters: Pour 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters into your Julep cup or Highball glass.
  • Add Peach Schnapps: Add ¾ oz peach schnapps.
  • 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 Julep cup or Old Fashioned glass.
  • Add Bourbon: Measure and pour 2 oz Bourbon into the glass.
  • 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: Place a mint sprig and a thin slice of peach on top of the glass and sprinkle with icing sugar for garnish. 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 in this cocktail.
  • Peach Schnapps: If you can't find peach schnapps, use peach liqueur or brandy instead. You could also use a peach-flavored syrup if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
  • Mint Leaves: If fresh mint isn't available, you can use a few drops of mint extract. Be careful, though; it's potent stuff!
  • Angostura Bitters: Opt for orange bitters it will slightly alter the final result but it will still deliver a good taste.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute available in most supermarkets and do a good job mimicking bourbon's flavor.
  • Peach Schnapps Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic peach syrup or juice.
  • Proceed As Usual: Avoid the Angostura bitters and use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Make sure to use alcohol brands that are vegan friendly as some may involve the use of animal products during manufacturing. 

What is a Georgia Mint Julep?

A Georgia Mint Julep is a bourbon-based cocktail made of fresh mint, bitters, peach brandy, and bourbon. It’s not difficult to make but requires some attention to detail.  This drink is a variant of the classic Mint Julep, which traditionally only uses bourbon, water, sugar, and mint. Adding peach liqueur gives this version an exciting twist that reflects Georgia’s famous peaches – hence its name, “Georgia” Mint Julep.

A side shot of a Georgia Mint Julep cocktail in a julep cup on a wooden coaster and a wooden tray in front of plant leaves

What is a Georgia Mint Julep made of – The ingredients

To whip up a Georgia Mint Julep, ensure you have these ingredients:

  • Bourbon Whiskey: The cocktail’s base spirit provides a rich, smooth, and strong flavor.
  • Peach Schnapps: Adds a sweet, fruity twist to the traditional mint julep, giving it a distinct Georgia touch.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves: They infuse the drink with a refreshing and aromatic minty flavor for muddling to release essential oils.
  • Peach Slices: Enhance the peachy flavor from the schnapps and serve as an attractive garnish.
  • Angostura Bitters: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and add complexity to the drink.
  • Crushed Ice: Chills the drink quickly while diluting it slightly, making it more palatable and refreshing.

Bourbon, peach schnapps, mint leaves, sugar cubes, and Angostura aromatic bitters laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Georgia Mint Julep?

Follow our easy instructions to whip up your own Georgia Mint Julep:

1
<p>Start by adding 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters into a chilled julep cup. The bitters will provide a complex flavor base for the cocktail.</p>

Start by adding 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters into a chilled julep cup. The bitters will provide a complex flavor base for the cocktail.

2
<p>Now, pour in ½ ounce of peach liqueur. This will give your Mint Julep a distinct Georgia twist, infusing it with a sweet and fruity flavor.</p>

Now, pour in ½ ounce of peach liqueur. This will give your Mint Julep a distinct Georgia twist, infusing it with a sweet and fruity flavor.

3
<p>Now, slap 6 to 8 mint leaves into your hands.</p>

Now, slap 6 to 8 mint leaves into your hands.

4
<p>Drop the mint leaves into the cup.</p>

Drop the mint leaves into the cup.

5
<p>The final ingredient is the spirit. Pour 2 ounces of bourbon into the cup. This is the backbone of any Mint Julep, providing a strong, smooth base.</p>

The final ingredient is the spirit. Pour 2 ounces of bourbon into the cup. This is the backbone of any Mint Julep, providing a strong, smooth base.

6
<p>Once all the ingredients are in the cup, fill it with crushed ice. The ice will chill the cocktail and dilute the strong flavors slightly, making it more enjoyable to drink.</p>

Once all the ingredients are in the cup, fill it with crushed ice. The ice will chill the cocktail and dilute the strong flavors slightly, making it more enjoyable to drink.

7
<p>Stir the cocktail with a bar spoon until the outside of the cup begins to frost. This ensures that all the ingredients are well mixed and the cocktail is appropriately chilled.</p>

Stir the cocktail with a bar spoon until the outside of the cup begins to frost. This ensures that all the ingredients are well mixed and the cocktail is appropriately chilled.

8
<p>Insert a straw into the cup, ensuring it will be close to the mint sprig. This way, every sip will be accompanied by the refreshing scent of mint.</p>

Insert a straw into the cup, ensuring it will be close to the mint sprig. This way, every sip will be accompanied by the refreshing scent of mint.

9
<p>Add more crushed ice.</p>

Add more crushed ice.

10
<p>Finally, garnish your Georgia Mint Julep with a slice of peach and sprig of fresh mint. This not only makes the cocktail look more appealing, but the aroma of the mint also enhances the overall drinking experience.</p>

Finally, garnish your Georgia Mint Julep with a slice of peach and sprig of fresh mint. This not only makes the cocktail look more appealing, but the aroma of the mint also enhances the overall drinking experience.

History and Origin

The Georgia Mint Julep cocktail is a variant of the traditional Mint julep which has a story that goes back to the 18th century. This tasty mix of bourbon, sugar, water, crushed ice, and fresh mint leaves comes from the southern United States.

‘Julep’ is a word from the Persian language, ‘gulab’, meaning rosewater. At first, people used juleps as sweet drinks to hide the sour taste of medicine. But over time, these drinks turned into alcoholic ones.

In the 19th century, this cocktail became popular with wealthy people in the South. It stood for hospitality and class. People usually serve it in silver or pewter cups to keep it cool on hot summer days.

In 1938, the Kentucky Derby, one of the oldest horse races in America, chose the Mint Julep as its official drink. Even though the usual recipe uses Kentucky bourbon, many people in Georgia still like their local version with peach brandy.

A Georgia Mint Julep cocktail, shot from above, in a julep cup on a beige surface surrounded by Bourbon, peach schnapps, mint leaves, sugar cubes, and Angostura aromatic bitters

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FAQ

How many calories does a Georgia Mint Julep contain?
A standard serving contains approximately 220 calories. However, this can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
How strong is a Georgia Mint Julep cocktail?
The strength typically ranges around 20% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), which translates to 40 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Georgia Mint Julep?
The drink primarily uses bourbon as its base spirit. The choice of bourbon can significantly influence the overall flavor profile of the drink.
In what kind of glass is a Georgia Mint Julep served?
The drink is traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup to keep the drink cool. However, serving it in an old-fashioned glass or any other highball glass is also acceptable.
What does a Georgia Mint Julep taste like?
A Georgia Mint Julep offers a refreshing blend of sweet, fruity, and minty flavors with the robustness of bourbon. The fresh mint leaves give it an aromatic and cooling aftertaste, making it perfect for warm weather.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Georgia Mint Julep?
The typical ratio is 2 ounces of Bourbon, ¾ of an ounce of peach liqueur, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, with about six to eight fresh mint leaves. This ratio ensures a balanced flavor but can be adjusted according to preference.
How is a Georgia Mint Julep served with respect to ice?
The drink is usually served with crushed ice, not cubes. The crushed ice helps dilute the strong bourbon and sugar mixture while keeping the drink chilled longer.
Is the Georgia Mint Julep a traditional Southern drink?
Yes, the cocktail is indeed a traditional Southern drink and it is a variation of the traditional mint julep.
What is the best time to enjoy a Georgia Mint Julep?
While there's no wrong time to enjoy this drink, it's traditionally a summertime drink due to its refreshing qualities. It's trendy during outdoor events and gatherings.

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