Mezcal Mint Julep recipe

A mezcal mint julep is a refreshing twist on the classic mint julep recipe, swapping bourbon for smoky, characterful mezcal. Instead of relying only on sweetness and mint, this version layers herbal, earthy notes from the agave spirit with the cooling freshness of mint and a gentle touch of sugar. 

The result is a mezcal mint cocktail that feels both familiar and completely new: crisp, aromatic and perfect for slow sipping over crushed ice on a warm afternoon.

Mezcal Mint Julep ingredients

When you look for mint julep ingredients, you’ll usually see bourbon, mint, sugar and crushed ice. For a mezcal mint julep, the structure is similar, but mezcal becomes the star. 

• 60 ml Del Maguey Vida Clásico mezcal
  
• 10–12 fresh mint leaves
  
• 15 ml simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
  
• Crushed ice (enough to fill and mound the glass)
  
• 1–2 dashes aromatic or citrus bitters (optional)
  
• A small pinch of salt (optional)
  
• Fresh mint sprig for garnish
  

Quality and freshness are crucial. Choose a high-quality Del Maguey Vida Collection mezcal with a balanced profile — something with gentle smoke and plenty of agave character rather than an aggressively smoky style. This allows the mint and sweetness to shine while still letting the mezcal define the cocktail. 

Easy Mezcal Mint Julep recipe

An easy Mezcal Mint Julep recipe keeps the spirit of the classic julep drink but simplifies the process so you can mix it at home in just a few minutes. 

1. Add the fresh mint leaves and simple syrup to the bottom of a sturdy rocks glass or julep cup.
2. Gently muddle the mint, pressing just enough to release its oils without shredding the leaves.
3. Pour in Del Maguey’s Vida Clásico and give a brief stir to combine with the mint and syrup.
4. Fill the glass completely with crushed ice, mounding it slightly above the rim.
5. Stir the cocktail from the bottom up until the outside of the glass starts to frost and the drink is well chilled.
6. Top with a little more crushed ice if needed to maintain the mound.
7. Add 1–2 dashes of bitters and a small pinch of salt, if using, and give a gentle final stir.
8. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig near the rim, lightly slapping it between your hands first to wake up the aroma, and serve immediately.
   
   

If you want to keep exploring different side of mezcal with the Verde Drink, a cocktail that leans into everything fresh, green and vibrant. 

What is a Mezcal Mint Julep cocktail?

The classic mint julep recipe dates back to the 19th century and became famous as a bourbon-based drink served over crushed ice, traditionally enjoyed at the Kentucky Derby. 

At its core, it’s a simple combination of spirit, mint, sugar and ice, but the technique and balance turn it into an elegant sipping cocktail. The mezcal mint julep takes that same structure and replaces bourbon with mezcal, creating a julep drink with a more adventurous flavor profile that leans into herbal, smoky and earthy notes.

This mezcal version is part of a broader movement in modern mixology: reimagining iconic cocktails using agave spirits. By bringing mezcal into the julep format, you get a mezcal mint cocktail that honors both traditions — Southern julep culture and Mexican agave heritage. 

The fresh mint adds lift and brightness, the sugar softens the edges, and the crushed ice keeps everything cold and approachable. For drinkers who love the idea of a mint julep but want something less sweet and more complex, the mezcal mint julep is an ideal alternative.

Pro tips for a perfect Mezcal Mint Julep drink

The secret to a memorable mezcal mint julep recipe lies in attention to detail. Always use fresh mint and freshly made simple syrup — tired herbs or old syrup will dull the drink and make it feel flat. 

When muddling, think of it as a gentle press rather than a forceful smash; overworking the mint can extract harsh, vegetal flavors that overpower both the mezcal and the sweetness. It’s also helpful to lightly clap the mint garnish between your hands before placing it in the glass to wake up its aroma and make the first impression of the julep drink more inviting.

Ice is just as important as the liquid ingredients. Crushed ice gives the mezcal mint julep its signature texture and slow dilution, so avoid using large cubes if you want an authentic feel. 

Pack the ice tightly to keep the drink cold for longer and encourage the glass or cup to frost on the outside. 

Taste as you build: if your mint julep drink feels too strong, stir a bit longer to increase dilution or add a touch more syrup. If it tastes too sweet, add a splash more mezcal or a few extra mint leaves to rebalance the profile. With small adjustments, you can tailor this easy mint julep recipe to your personal preference.

Explore Del Maguey’s Vida Collection for your mezcal mint julep

To get the best possible result from your mezcal mint julep recipe, the choice of mezcal matters. Del Maguey’s Vida Collection offers expressions that are crafted for both sipping and mixing, making them ideal for a refined mint julep drink. 

A bottle such as Vida Clásico brings balanced smoke, roasted agave notes and gentle fruit tones that pair beautifully with fresh mint and sugar. This combination creates a mezcal mint cocktail that feels sophisticated yet approachable, with enough character to stand out without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Using a quality mezcal from the Vida Collection is an easy way to elevate an otherwise simple julep recipe into something worthy of a cocktail bar menu. The clean, well-structured profile of these mezcales helps the mint stay bright while adding depth and length to each sip. 

If you’re ready to move beyond the classic bourbon version and explore a more adventurous mint julep drink, choosing a Del Maguey mezcal is a natural next step. It lets you celebrate agave culture inside a beloved cocktail format, turning your mezcal mint julep into a signature serve you’ll want to revisit again and again.