Move Over, Bourbon! This Spicy Tequila Mint Julep Is The Only Summer Cocktail You Need

Few cocktails are more refreshing than the classic mint julep—but did you know it was also used for medicinal purposes back in the day? Talk about a spoonful of sugar!

While I can’t really claim that any cocktailis truly “healthy,” this version does contain fresh ginger, mint lemon, and agave syrup, which could easily be included in a healthy smoothie. The traditional mint julep is made with bourbon. Here, I’ve swapped bourbon for tequila!

Fresh ginger, for all its good qualities, can have quite a spicy kick to it, so tread carefully and only add as much as you can handle. You need to treat the fresh mint leaves with a bit of TLC, too. Gently bruise them to release their aromatic oils.

Read on for the full tequila mint julep recipe!

Ingredients for tequila mint julep

• 5-10 fresh mint leaves (reserve 1 for garnish)

• 2 ounces reposado tequila

• Small piece of fresh ginger

• 1 Tablespoon agave syrup

• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 large handfuls fresh ice (or crushed ice)

Instructions for tequila mint julep

1. Put the ice cubes into a blender and blitz until finely crushed. Alternatively, buy a bag of crushed ice.

2. Peel the ginger and use a box grater to grate it finely.

3. Squeeze the ginger in your hand to release the juice into a clean glass.
4. Add the lemon juice and pour in the agave syrup.

5. Add the mint leaves and gently bruise with a muddling spoon or a clean rolling pin.

6. Pour in the tequila and stir.

7. Add enough crushed ice to fill the glass just below the rim and stir again.
8. Thread a mint leaf through a cocktail stick to garnish, and add a straw. Happy sipping!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious cocktail recipes!

This post has been updated.