Here are a few of our favorite mint cocktails — refreshingly perfect for chilling this summer.
Mint Julip Zest
Ingredients:
- 1 handful of fresh mint
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 oz. bourbon whiskey
- 5 oz. water
- 1 lemon wedge
Directions: Ice is optional. Pull mint from stem, place into mixing unit with all ingredients aside from lemon; mix, shake, pour. Cut lemon into wedges, zest, and garnish.
Watermelon Smint
Ingredients:
- 3 sprigs fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
- 2 ounces vodka
- Club soda or filtered water, splash to liking
- Sprinkle of powdered sugar
- 2 ounces watermelon juice
Directions: Muddle the leaves from two mint sprigs with teaspoons of water and sugar, and watermelon juice in a highball glass. Add remaining ingredients to taste. Garnish with the remaining mint and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Matcha Mint Julep
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. simple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder (culinary grade)
- 10 mint leaves
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 1 sprig mint
Directions: Mix the bourbon and matcha powder in a small bowl while removing all the clumps, preferably with a whisk. In an old fashioned or rocks glass, add the mint leaves and simple syrup. Muddle until the leaves just start to break down. Fill the glass ¾ full with crushed ice and add the bourbon/matcha mixture. Stir, and serve.