Put a fruity twist on a derby day favorite with this peach mint julep cocktail! Instead of the usual bourbon whiskey, I’m adding some Crown Royal peach whisky as the base liquor since it’s loaded with fresh peach flavor! This easy mixed drink is refreshing, delicious, and perfect for summer sipping!
What is a Peach Mint Julep?
A peach mint julep is a refreshing cocktail that combines the classic flavors of a traditional mint julep with the sweet, fruity taste of peaches.
This mixed drink typically features bourbon whiskey, along with fresh mint leaves, muddled peaches, and crushed ice, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and herbal notes. However, in this twist, I’m using Crown Royal peach whiskey instead for added peach flavor.
Often served in a frosty glass or a traditional silver julep cup, the peach mint julep is a popular choice for warm-weather gatherings and is especially enjoyed during events like the Kentucky Derby.
Katie’s tip
In fact, you can check out another twist on a Derby classic for your meal with my air fryer Hot Brown sandwich recipe!
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Peach Mint Julep Ingredients
- 4-6 fresh mint leaves (depending on size)
- 3 slices fresh peach
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 ounces Crown Royal peach whisky
- 1-2 ounces ginger beer (optional)
- Crushed ice
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of the brown sugar, you could use a sugar cube, or plain or peach simple syrup. The traditional julep preparation is a sugar cube or regular simple syrup, but the brown sugar pairs well with this peach variation
- You can swap the Crown peach whisky for another brand of peach-flavored whiskey or bourbon, or use plain bourbon with ½ ounce of peach schnapps for flavor
- The ginger beer can be swapped for ginger ale for a less prominent ginger flavor. You can also substitute champagne, prosecco, or a lemon-lime soda like Sprite for different variations (but peach and ginger are very complimentary flavors). You can also omit the carbonated element entirely if you prefer, as it’s not always included in a classic julep, but it does help to reduce the overall strength of the drink so it’s not too strong
How to Make a Peach Mint Julep
- Add mint leaves, peach slices, and brown sugar to the bottom of a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) and muddle until mint leaves are bruised and the peaches are juicy. If you don’t have a muddler, use the blunt end of a wooden spoon or a similar tool
- Pour in the whiskey and lemon juice, and add a couple large ice cubes
- Shake until well mixed and chilled, about 20-30 seconds, then pour into a rocks glass (or similar) filled with crushed ice. A julep is not typically strained, as you want the mint in the glass. However, you could strain it to remove any fruit chunks if desired, and add the mint in afterwards
- Top with ginger beer (if desired)
- Garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of peach. Enjoy!
More Crown Royal Peach Cocktails
Recipe FAQs
What is a Mint Julep Made Of?
A classic mint julep is made of bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice. This peach version adds fresh peaches, and swaps in brown sugar for the sweetener. Peach whiskey is a great substitute for the bourbon whiskey, to add extra peach flavor.
Sometimes, a julep is topped with ginger ale, ginger beer, champagne, or prosecco for a fizzy version, which also helps to lower the strong taste of alcohol. Lemon juice can be added to balance the sweetness, especially when using sweet fruits.
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh Peaches?
Yes, canned peaches can be used if fresh peaches are not available. Just make sure to drain them well and adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Frozen peaches are another good option, though you’ll need to defrost them long enough to allow them to express juice when muddled.
What Type of Bourbon Is Best for a Peach Mint Julep?
A smooth, high-quality bourbon is ideal for a peach mint julep. Brands with caramel and vanilla notes complement the peach flavor well.
You can also substitute any type of whiskey in place of bourbon whiskey. Peach-flavored bourbon or whiskey is a great choice for the peach mint julep in particular, to reinforce the peach flavor of the drink.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of a Peach Mint Julep?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic mocktail version by substituting the bourbon with peach nectar or iced tea, and following the same steps to muddle mint and peach together.
You can also use ginger beer or ginger ale as the base. You may want to omit the sweetener, though, to avoid making the drink overly sweet.
What Is the Best Way to Muddle Mint for a Peach Mint Julep?
To muddle mint effectively, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler to release their oils without tearing them, which can make the drink taste bitter.
If you don’t have a muddler, use the blunt end of a wooden spoon or a similar instrument instead.
What Glass Should I Use to Serve a Peach Mint Julep?
Traditionally, a julep is served in a silver or metal cup to keep it cold, but a regular highball or whiskey glass works well too.
Just make sure to fill it with crushed ice for the best experience.
Recipe Tips For the Best Peach Mint Juleps
- To make the drink less sweet, use less sugar or add more lemon juice to balance. For more sweetness, increase the sugar, or supplement with simple syrup, honey, or agave
- For a stronger drink, omit the ginger beer, and for a weaker drink use more ginger beer! You can also let the drink sit a little longer, as the ice will dilute it as it melts
Peach Mint Julep Serving Tips
- A julep glass is the classic serving vessel, but since it’s not a common household glass, you can use other glasses as well. A whiskey or rocks glass, highball glass, or even a stemless white wine glass are great alternative options!
- Garnishes are optional, but a fresh mint sprig and a slice of fresh peach are the best options for a peach mint julep if you desire one
- Raspberry Mint Tequila Smash
- Cucumber Mint Vodka Lemonade
- Blueberry Tequila Smash
- Watermelon Bourbon Smash
Final Thoughts
This peach mint julep is a fun summer twist on a classic, refreshing cocktail. Whether you’re celebrating at a Derby party or enjoying a backyard barbecue, it’s a delicious mixed drink to keep you cool!
Crown peach whiskey replaces the traditional bourbon whiskey for extra peach flavor, while lemon juice balances the sweetness from the fruit, and ginger beer offers a complimentary bit of bubbly. It’s not your by-the-book traditional julep, but it’s a great combination!
Of course, you can tweak it in a variety of ways to make it your own, from changing up the liquors to altering the sweeteners, and modifying proportions. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this delicious drink.
For more great mixed drinks that feature peach whiskey, make sure to check out my whole collection of Crown peach drinks for some more inspiration!
Peach Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe With Crown Peach
Equipment
- Shaker (or mason jar)
- Muddler (or similar)
- Whiskey glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 4-6 leaves fresh mint (depending on size)
- 3 slices fresh peach
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 ounces Crown Royal peach whisky
- 1-2 ounces ginger beer (optional)
Instructions
- Add mint leaves, peach slices, and brown sugar to the bottom of a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) and muddle until mint leaves are bruised and the peaches are juicy. If you don’t have a muddler, use the blunt end of a wooden spoon or a similar tool4-6 leaves fresh mint, 3 slices fresh peach, 1 tsp brown sugar
- Pour in the whiskey and lemon juice, and add a couple large ice cubes½ ounce fresh lemon juice, 2 ounces Crown Royal peach whisky
- Shake until well mixed and chilled, about 20-30 seconds, then pour into a rocks glass (or similar) filled with crushed ice. A julep is often not strained, as you want the mint in the glass. However, you could strain it to remove any fruit chunks if desired, and add the mint in afterwards
- Top with ginger beer (if desired)1-2 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of peach. Enjoy!
Notes
- Instead of the brown sugar, you could use a sugar cube, or plain or peach simple syrup. The traditional julep preparation is a sugar cube or regular simple syrup, but the brown sugar pairs well with this peach variation
- You can swap the Crown peach whisky for another brand of peach-flavored whiskey or bourbon, or use plain bourbon with ½ ounce of peach schnapps for flavor
- The ginger beer can be swapped for ginger ale for a less prominent ginger flavor. You can also substitute champagne, prosecco, or a lemon-lime soda like Sprite for different variations (but peach and ginger are very complimentary flavors). You can also omit the carbonated element entirely if you prefer, as it’s not always included in a classic julep, but it does help to reduce the overall strength of the drink so it’s not too strong
- To make the drink less sweet, use less sugar or add more lemon juice to balance. For more sweetness, increase the sugar, or supplement with simple syrup, honey, or agave
- For a stronger drink, omit the ginger beer, and for a weaker drink use more ginger beer! You can also let the drink sit a little longer, as the ice will dilute it as it melts
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes, swap, or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
