Let’s play a game.
I’ll go first.
Never have I ever wanted to sip a mint julep more than I do right now — especially this watermelon version.
Your turn!
Over the years I’ve made a lot of mint juleps in different flavors — blueberry, pineapple and more. Blueberry used to be my favorite, and pineapple was one I wasn’t keen on at the time (probably because I was secretly pregnant and couldn’t enjoy it fully). These days I’d happily drink the pineapple julep.
But watermelon just might top the list. I love watermelon so much I’ll admit to even enjoying some artificial watermelon flavors from time to time — gum, candy or overly sweet liqueurs. Guilty as charged.
I can tell the difference between fresh and artificial watermelon, but that rarely stops me from indulging in the fake stuff now and then.
There’s no discrimination in the watermelon department over here — fresh, frozen or candy, I’ll take it.
Well, almost no discrimination. Max, for one, is a different story.
I wasn’t giving Max mint juleps — just watermelon. Last summer he loved it, but over the past couple of days he refused to touch it and looked at me like it was something awful. Maybe it’s because he’d just finished licking almond butter off apple slices or had discovered a box of graham crackers (yes, he’s snuck into the pantry more than once). He’s full of surprises.
When he does like watermelon, his favorite activity is squeezing it to cover himself in juice rather than actually eating it.
In other mint julep news, last year I made a julep-soaked fruit salad and topped it with whipped marshmallow — an oddball dessert that you can eat rather than drink. It was surprisingly delightful: all the minty, boozy flavor packed into fruit with a fluffy topping.
If you know someone who dislikes traditional mint juleps (I’m looking at you, Eddie), try a fruit-forward version like watermelon or blueberry. Bourbon-forward juleps can be intense — both in alcohol and herbal mint flavor — and they can put people off if they expect something light. Add fresh fruit and a simple syrup and suddenly the cocktail is approachable even to bourbon skeptics.
I’m sold partly because this one is pink. Not that I needed another reason.
Fresh Watermelon Mint Juleps
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Ingredients
- 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces fresh watermelon juice
- 1 ounce mint simple syrup
- 1 ounce club soda
- crushed ice
- fresh mint leaves
- watermelon wedges for serving
fresh watermelon juice
- 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
mint simple syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 bunch of mint leaves
Instructions
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Combine bourbon, watermelon juice and mint simple syrup. Shake or stir well, pour over crushed ice, top with club soda, and garnish with extra mint leaves and watermelon wedges.
fresh watermelon juice
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Puree watermelon chunks in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp.
mint simple syrup
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Combine sugar, mint and water in a small saucepan. Heat until simmering, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and cook another minute, then cool completely. Remove the mint before using. Syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
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I appreciate you so much!
[sidenote, “never have I ever” is such a terrible game. I had a rough experience with it in high school and I’m still a little scarred. I need more mint juleps to get over it.]