Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Bourbon Cocktails

Thin Mint Julep

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Liquor.com
Liquor.com

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Updated 04/17/23
Thin Mint Julep cocktail in a silver julep mug, with crushed ice, a mint sprig, a yellow straw and thin mint cookies

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

The Mint Julep has been quenching thirsts since it arrived on the scene in the southern United States in the 18th century. Composed of bourbon, sugar, mint and crushed ice, this refreshing cocktail was liquid air-conditioning served in a silver cup.

Although the bourbon-spiked Mint Julep is the most well-known version on the cocktail, the julep is actually a category of drinks featuring a spirit served over crushed ice. So, it comes in more varieties than only bourbon and mint, and some of the first juleps were made with cognac and brandy. Very few were made with Thin Mint cookies, however. The Thin Mint Julep is a modern invention from bartender Kristen Struckmeyer that’s perfect for anyone who wants to pair their Girl Scout cookies with whiskey.

This fun take on the classic cocktail starts simple enough, with bourbon, mint and simple syrup. But it quickly takes a left turn with white creme de cacao, a sweet, chocolaty liqueur that adds a rich and creamy note to drinks. The liqueur is clear, so it doesn’t muddy the visuals.

The Thin Mint Julep is constructed like traditional juleps, and crushed ice is packed generously into the silver mug until the vessel is frosted on the outside. The pièce de résistance is the garnish, a Thin Mint cookie that looks good and provides a tasty snack between sips. This recipe strays from the classic formula, but it’s still recognizable as a julep. So, the next time Girl Scout cookie season rolls around, do yourself a favor and set aside a few Thin Mints for cocktails.

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Click Play to See This Thin Mint Julep Come Together

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves

  • 1/4 ounce simple syrup

  • 1 1/2 ounces bourbon

  • 1/2 ounce white creme de cacao

  • Garnish: mint sprig

  • Garnish: Thin Mint cookie

Steps

  1. Place the mint leaves and simple syrup into a Julep cup and gently muddle.

  2. Add the bourbon and white creme de cacao, then pack the cup halfway with crushed ice.

  3. Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside.

  4. Top with more crushed ice to form a mound.

  5. Garnish with a mint sprig and a Thin Mint cookie.

Mint Julep Variations

Napoleon Julep: This modern interpretation combines cognac and elderflower liqueur with green tea syrup.

Miamian’s Julep: This blended julep starts with bourbon, but then channels Miami’s tropical vibes with coconut cream, banana liqueur and flambéed banana slices.

Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita: The julep meets the Margarita in this fun take on the classic featuring añejo tequila, lime juice, blackberries and mint.

Gin on Gin Julep: Gin and genever give this julep riff a unique flavor that melds dry botanicals with malty sweetness.