Note to self: Do not walk into the grocery store sipping on a mint julep. The security guard will probably start following you around, especially if you’re stuffing bottles of bourbon into your basket. Mint julep popsicles on the other hand . . . now that’s a different story. To be honest, I didn’t know how these pops would turn out. There aren’t many ingredients to play around with in a mint julep, so getting the proper ratios was essential. I used demerara sugar for a little added complexity, a ton of fresh mint, and just enough bourbon to whet the palate. Don’t worry, I’ll still be mixing up the mint juleps this weekend. Oh, and my Derby Day prediction . . . California Chrome (how can you pass on that name?). You’re welcome.
Ingredients (makes 8 – 10 popsicles):
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup demerara sugar
- 1 cup mint
- 1/3 cup bourbon
Add sugar and water to a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and add the fresh mint. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, lightly muddle the mint. Let steep until the mixture has cooled to room temperature (~45 minutes). Once cooled, strain through a fine mesh strainer.
Add the bourbon and stir to combine, then pour into your popsicle molds. Place in the freezer. Check back after about 45 minutes (depending on the temperature of your freezer) and add your popsicle sticks. Keep in the freezer until frozen solid.
Once the popsicles have frozen and you’re ready to enjoy, carefully remove them from the molds.
Pair with a couple strong mint juleps . . .
[linktopost slug=”mint-julep”]
. . . and enjoy!!
Happy Derby Day!!
(images by HonestlyYUM)
Great variation on the classic Mint Julep, in a nice how-to format. Well done with the photos, we have some jello shot variations but a popsicle is an interesting riff indeed!
Christmas dinner for my girl group!
Such good presentation on these popsicles, and a great idea in general. The julep, or anything refreshing over crushed ice, seems like a winner for converting to popsicle form. Just last week we made some Fernet popsicles at home. Boy was that a big hit!
Made these today. The demerara sugar is amazing in them! I added finely chopped mint when they were slushy (so it wouldn’t all sink to the bottom), and I definitely recommend that. But I love mint, so there’s that. Great recipe!
These are pure awesome, and I would like to dive into that pile of crushed ice right about now. Exquisite photos.
My kinda popsicles.. I mean frozen Bourbon on a stick..you can’t go wrong there.. and I do think California chrome will win although I’m hoping Goldencents will make it into the winners circle. 🙂
Echoing all the other positive comments here! Such a lovely way to enjoy a classic cocktail. I’ve been wanting to try some kind of gin and tonic popsicle concoction and this may have given me the push I needed to follow through. Love the photos! Such a fun post Todd!
These arw incredible. I mean, the pictures alone are killing me! Must make!
These look PERFECT!! And the styling–so, so gorgeous Todd. Love it!
These photos are STUNNING love!
You got such a great deep whiskey color in these, and the photos are really really stunning. I’m working on a Margarita pop and this is so inspirational! Pinned!
Todd these are so perfectly awesome looking! I want every weekend to be Derby weekend so I can have these all the time 🙂 pinned
Wow. The presentation here, is so beautiful! I can only imagine how good and refreshing they must taste!
Love these! So easy to make and perfect for summer. Actually, perfect for now. It’s 95 here today and these babies need to get made here. Love the pictures too.
These look amazing! I may need to make them this weekend.
Good gracious these look delicious.
Oh saving this recipe for the peak of summer! YES! So excited as mint juleps are my favorite spring and summer cocktail 🙂 x
Ohmahgarsh! Fabulous recipe and amazing photography, Todd! Love that you used demerara sugar, too. Thanks for sharing. Pinning (of course)!
Totally irresistible, can’t wait to try these!
Oh. My. Gosh. These look so, so incredible, refreshing and verrrrry tempting. Dare I say you hit the trifecta on this one, Todd? Bourbon, popsicle and the Kentucky Derby, that’s a winner!