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Cucumber Julep Cocktail Drink

Cucumber Julep Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Refresh yourself with this Cucumber Julep recipe! Blend bourbon, cucumber, honey, and mint to create an ideal cocktail for spring.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 204

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • ¼ cucumber - sliced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice
  • Cucumber slice or mint sprig - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Julep Cup
  • Muddler
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Muddle Cucumber: Muddle the cucumber slices of ¼ cucumber to release their flavors in your julep cup.
  • Add Mint: Place 10-12 fresh mint leaves in one hand and gently smack it with the other to release its aromas and drop them into the cup.
  • Add Honey: Pour 1 tbsp honey into the cup.
  • Add Bourbon: Measure and pour 2 oz Bourbon over the mixture.
  • Fill with Ice: Add crushed ice to fill the cup.
  • Stir Well: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients until well-mixed.
  • Garnish: Top with more ice if necessary and use a cucumber slice or a sprig of mint for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, try using rye whiskey for a spicier kick. I've also used rum for a sweeter twist.
  • Honey: Agave syrup works well if you're out of honey or prefer a vegan option. It adds a similar sweetness without altering the flavor too much.
  • Mint Leaves: Basil can be an interesting substitute for experimenting with different herbal notes.

Making a Pitcher of Cucumber Julep:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 2 cucumbers, and 8 tablespoons of honey.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, muddle the cucumber slices first, follow with the mint leaves, then add honey and bourbon. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled julep cups, garnish with cucumber slices or mint sprigs, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace bourbon with your non-alcoholic substitute and follow the original steps for a refreshing mocktail version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Honey Substitute: Use agave syrup instead of honey to keep this cocktail vegan-friendly without compromising on sweetness.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using agave syrup in place of honey for a delicious vegan cocktail.