Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Leah Hall
This Chocolate Mint Julep is a decadent treat perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby with! We used chocolate chips and fresh mint to make the syrup for this tasty Julep!
This Chocolate Mint Julep is a twist on the classic. We used chocolate chips as the sweetener, with a dash of sugar in the simple syrup to sweeten this Julep. Made with a chocolate mint infused syrup, bourbon and a heap of crushed ice, and chocolate macadamia nut bitters! We think this drink is perfect for horse race watching and all summer long.
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Chocolate Mint Julep
We twisted the classic mint julep idea just a bit, and this variation substitutes a chocolate mint syrup for the sugar. The chocolate adds a flavor that matched up perfectly with both the vanilla and caramel notes of the bourbon plus the fresh mint.
Please keep in mind that this version of a julep can be a little on the sweet side, but you can regulate that especially with what kind of chocolate you use in it.
Chocolate Mint Simple Syrup
Simple syrups are such an easy way to change up cocktail recipe. We love infusing syrups with herbs, spices and fruit for a totally new flavor profile. But you knew that already – make sure to check our whole simple syrups section on the blog!
This simple syrup is easy, just a combo of chocolate chips, a dash of sugar and water. If you like darker chocolate use dark chocolate chips, if you like milk chocolate, use those. This part is completely up to you to decide. Pick the chocolate you like best, and add sugar or not. But, milk chocolate needs a dash of sugar, like 1 Tbsp, dark chocolate a bit more, about 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar.
So, this part that is up to you, and totally up for interpretation. We used dark chocolate, but feel free to use another kind.
What Can I Do with Chocolate Mint?
For an even better upgrade to this cocktail use Chocolate Mint. Chocolate mint is a variation on the mint plant that smells and tastes a bit like chocolate! Kinda like a peppermint patty or Girl Scout cookie. We unfortunately didn’t have any available, as it’s still early spring, so the cocktail garden hasn’t been planted yet. And of course the grocery stores don’t carry anything except ordinary mint! And ordinary mint is ok, too!
This drink is so great for the Derby or all summer long! So, if you like chocolate and mint together, (we do!!) you will love this cocktail.
Make sure to check out even more Kentucky Derby Cocktail recipes!
Cheers!
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Like this recipe? Try these below, too!
Other Mint Julep Recipes
- Sweet Tea Mint Julep – Spicy Southern Kitchen
- Orange Berry Mint Julep – Elle Talk
- Champagne Mint Julep – Beautiful Booze
- Strawberry Mint Juleps – Cocktail Contessa
- Rhubarb Mint Julep – Fashionable Hostess
Chocolate Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe
These Chocolate Mint Juleps are a great twist on the classic cocktail. We infused a chocolate simple syrup with mint and made it almost desserty, and perfect for a Derby celebration!
Ingredients
Chocolate Mint Simple Syrup
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons chocolate chips, any kind (dark, milk)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon-1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar
- 6-8 mint leaves
Chocolate Mint Julep Cocktail
- .50 ounce chocolate mint simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2-3 dashes Chocolate Macadamia Nut bitters
- 8-10 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
Instructions
Chocolate Mint Simple Syrup
- Combine chocolate chips, water and sugar in saucepan. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat.
- While cooling add in mint leaves to infuse, about 10 minutes.
- Strain out mint leaves, and store simple syrup in fridge for up to two weeks.
Chocolate Mint Julep Cocktail
- Add chocolate mint syrup along with bitters into a julep cup or rocks glass. Slap mint bunch and add in leaves, don't muddle.
- Add in crushed ice, about 1/2 way full and stir. Top with bourbon.
- Add in more ice until there is a mound on top.
- Garnish with more mint.
- Cheers!
Notes
You can use any kind of chocolate chips in this (dark, milk) just check the sugar level so it's not too sweet.
If you don't have Chocolate Macadamia bitters replace with just chocolate or chocolate coffee bitters.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 176Sodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 11.9g
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