Parisian Mule
The Parisian Mule has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste. The cognac adds a depth of flavor that is both warming and comforting. The ginger beer gives it a refreshing kick, while the lime juice adds a touch of tartness.
Mexican Julep Cocktail Recipe
Jump to Recipe ⬇️
Mexican Julep Nutrition Facts
Calories:~250kcal
Total fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~17g
Alcohol by volume:~20%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 16, 2024
Contents
History
The Mexican Julep is a delightful twist on the classic Mint Julep, which has its roots in the Southern United States. Traditionally made with bourbon, the Mexican Julep swaps in tequila, giving it a vibrant and contemporary edge that's perfect for tequila aficionados or anyone looking to enjoy a refreshing herbal cocktail with a kick.
- Origins: The Mint Julep has been a staple in the South, particularly associated with the Kentucky Derby.
- Evolution: Over time, bartenders have experimented with different spirits, leading to variations like the Mexican Julep.
- Popularity: This drink is a hit among those who appreciate a minty freshness paired with the complex flavors of agave.
How Mexican Julep Tastes?
The Mexican Julep offers a refreshing minty taste that's perfectly balanced with the sweet, earthy notes of agave from the tequila. It's a harmonious blend of sweet and herbal flavors with a smooth, velvety texture and a spirited kick that lingers on the palate.
Interesting facts about Mexican Julep
- The Mexican Julep is a testament to the versatility of tequila, showcasing how it can be elegantly incorporated into classic cocktails.
- Mint is not only a garnish but an essential ingredient that infuses the drink with its signature freshness.
- The use of a pewter mug, as with the traditional Mint Julep, helps keep the drink extra cold.
Ingredients
- Sauza® 901® tequila: 3 oz(90ml)
- Agave syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
- Water: 1 barspoon
- Mint sprigs: 4 for muddling + 1 for garnish
- Crushed ice: As needed
Sauza® 901® Tequila
3oz of this premium tequila isn't just to give you a buzz—it's the soul of the cocktail, balancing the mint and sweet notes. Too little, and your drink lacks character; too much, and you might start seeing double. Alternatives: An aged tequila could add depth, but stick with a high-quality blanco for that crisp, clean flavor that wows.
Emma Rose
Agave Syrup
Sweeter than your grandma's compliments, the 1oz agave syrup brings a natural sweetness to balance the potent tequila. Use less and you risk the drink being too sharp; more, and your drink is cloyingly sweet. Alternatives: Honey could work, giving a different kind of sweet hug to your taste buds, but it'll change the flavor profile.
Mary Mitkina
Water
A barspoon of water isn't just to get your daily H2O—it integrates the agave and helps the muddling process. Omitting it might make the drink feel a bit like a dictatorship without enough dilution. Alternatives: If you want to up the ante, use soda water for a bubbly zing.
Alex Green
Mint Sprigs
4 sprigs for muddling plus 1 for garnish—because without mint, it's not a julep, it's just a sad, leafless tequila. Mint adds a fresh, aromatic coolness that takes you to an imaginary Mexican garden. Fewer leaves and it's like a garden in winter; too many and it's a jungle in there. Alternatives: Basil could give an interesting twist, but then we're in a whole new cocktail territory.
Emma Rose
Crushed Ice
As needed, because no one likes a lukewarm cocktail. It chills, dilutes, and makes everything nice. Get it right, and it's like snowflakes in a glass; get it wrong, and you're drinking a slushy or tequila on the rocks.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Mexican Julep Drink
- Muddle the mint sprigs in a pewter mug to release the oils.
- Add agave syrup and a barspoon of water and mix.
- Fill the mug with crushed ice.
- Pour in the Sauza® 901® Tequila and stir well.
- Top up with more crushed ice if needed.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Mug: Place your pewter mug in the freezer before preparing the cocktail to keep it frosty.
- Slap the Mint: Before garnishing, slap the mint sprig against your hand to awaken the aroma.
- Quality Tequila: Use a premium tequila to ensure the best flavor and smoothness in your Mexican Julep.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Ceviche: The freshness of the seafood complements the mint and tequila's crispness.
- Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: The creamy texture and rich flavor of guacamole balance the sharpness of the cocktail.
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken or Fish Tacos: Lightly seasoned tacos can uplift the refreshing nature of the Mexican Julep without overwhelming it.
- Carnitas: The savory flavors of the slow-cooked pork will be a beautiful contrast to the cool and minty notes of the drink.
Desserts
- Lime Sorbet: A tangy sorbet will echo the citrus notes in the tequila and provide a sweet end.
- Churros: The cinnamon sugar on the churros would complement the herbal mint flavor of the cocktail.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Mexican Julep
- Tequila: Any high-quality blanco tequila can be used in place of Sauza® 901®.
- Agave Syrup: Honey or simple syrup can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change.
- Mint: There's no substitute for fresh mint in this cocktail.
Explore all drinks starting with M here
And of course - twists🍹
Classic Mint Julep Twist
Swap the tequila for bourbon and you've got yourself a classic Kentucky Derby favorite. The rich caramel notes of the bourbon complement the mint perfectly.
Ingredients: Bourbon, Mint, Agave Syrup, Water, Crushed Ice Recipe: Follow the same steps, but with bourbon, for a Southern twist on this Mexican classic.
Spicy Jalapeño Julep
Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño before muddling for an extra kick that'll make your tastebuds tango.
Ingredients: Sauza® 901® Tequila, Agave Syrup, Water, Mint Sprigs, Jalapeño Slices, Crushed Ice Recipe: Add jalapeño slices with the mint and follow the same steps. Prepare for a spicy surprise.
Fruity Mango Julep
Muddle in some ripe mango chunks for a sweet, fruity variation that feels like a tropical vacation.
Ingredients: Sauza® 901® Tequila, Agave Syrup, Water, Mint Sprigs, Mango Chunks, Crushed Ice Recipe: Add mango chunks with the mint and follow the same steps. Enjoy a burst of tropical flavor with every sip.
In case you forgot basics how to make Mexican Julep
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Mexican Julep
What is the proper way to muddle mint for a cocktail?
When muddling mint, it's important to gently press and twist the leaves with a muddler in the glass. This releases the essential oils without shredding the leaves, which can lead to a bitter taste.
Can I make a batch of Mexican Julep for a party?
Yes, you can scale up the recipe and mix it in a pitcher or large bowl, leaving out the ice until serving to prevent dilution. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need.
What type of ice is best for the Mexican Julep?
Crushed ice is preferred as it chills the drink quickly and helps maintain a consistent temperature, which is ideal for the Mexican Julep.
Are there non-alcoholic versions of the Mexican Julep?
Yes, a mocktail version can be created by substituting the tequila with a non-alcoholic spirit or simply leaving it out and increasing the amount of agave syrup and water slightly.
How should I store fresh mint to keep it fresh for cocktails?
Fresh mint should be stored in the refrigerator, with the stems in a glass of water and the leaves covered loosely with a plastic bag.
Can the Mexican Julep be served in a different type of glass?
Traditionally, a pewter mug is used, but you can serve the Mexican Julep in a highball glass or even in a mason jar for a casual presentation.
More similar recipes to Mexican Julep!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
classic twistPin It
Minty Manhattan
The Minty Manhattan is a robust, full-bodied cocktail with a strong whiskey base. The sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness, while the mint leaves lend a refreshing, cool aftertaste. The bitters round out the flavors, adding depth and complexity.
Watermelon Whiskey Sour
The Watermelon Whiskey Sour is a delightful balance of sweet watermelon and tart lemon, with the robustness of whiskey shining through. It's a vibrant, refreshing cocktail with a slight kick from the whiskey.
Southwest
The Southwest cocktail is a complex and flavorful drink, with a spicy kick that lingers on the palate. It is both sweet and sour, with a hint of smokiness from the mezcal. The heat from the jalapeño is balanced by the cooling freshness of the cucumber and lime, making it a refreshing and invigorating drink.
Desert Bloom
The Desert Bloom cocktail is a harmonious blend of earthy, herbal, and citrusy flavors. The Sotol provides a robust, earthy base, while the lime juice adds a tangy freshness. The agave nectar rounds out the cocktail with a hint of sweetness, and the salt rim adds a savory touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Outer Rim
The Outer Rim cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and salty. The tangy passion fruit and citrus flavors are balanced by the sweetness of the agave, while the black salt rim adds a surprising salty twist.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Last Word
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.
Bijou
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Grasshopper
The Grasshopper cocktail is sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of mint. The combination of chocolate and mint flavors creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and light.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.