Kentucky Derby Blackberry Mint Julep (Low Carb, Keto)
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Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, mint julep. This Low Carb, Keto Blackberry Mint Julep features fresh blackberries, mint leaves, and a touch of bourbon.
I was born and raised in Kentucky, and The Kentucky Derby was one of the year’s most exciting events. But, even if you didn’t get to go to the derby, you would surely know many who were having at-home celebrations. The mint julep is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. I wanted to share my ode to the derby, and what better way to celebrate than with a refreshing Blackberry Mint Julep?
This classic cocktail has a low-carb keto twist, making it the perfect drink for those looking to indulge without the extra carbs. With fresh blackberries, mint leaves, and a hint of bourbon, this drink will impress your guests and transport you to the heart of Kentucky.
So grab your favorite julep cup and sip this delicious sugar-free bourbon cocktail while watching the horses run for the roses.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Fresh Mint Leaves – the classic main of the mint julep. The fresh, herbaceous aroma of mint pairs well with the sweetness of blackberries and the smokiness of bourbon, creating a well-balanced and refreshing flavor profile.
Fresh Blackberries – you can substitute another berry such as raspberries or bluberries
Confectioners sweetener – I like using this because it dissolves quickly. You can also use a liquid sweetener such as stevia or sugar-free simple syrup.
Bourbon – Use high-quality Kentucky bourbon. We like several brands, such as Weller, Basil Hayden, Four Roses, Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve. However, there are many others, so use the one you want!
Crushed Ice – adds texture to the cocktail and an immediate chilling effect. It also dilutes the drink quickly and adds to the overall drinking experience. Pebble or crushed ice works well.
How to make a Blackberry Mint Julep
Step 1
Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to muddle the mint leaves, blackberries and sweetener in a Julep cup. Gently muddle until the sweetener is dissolved. You can use a rocks glass if you don’t have a julep cup.
Step 2
Fill the cup halfway with ice. Pour the bourbon over the ice, mint and berries and stir the bourbon and ice. Proceed to fill the cup with more ice until it reaches the top, and shape it into a mound. Finally, add some blackberries and mint leaves as a garnish. Enjoy!
Kentucky Derby Blackberry Mint Julep variations
You can make a mint julep in many ways to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Strawberry Mint Julep – Substitute fresh strawberries for blackberries to create a delicious twist on the classic cocktail.
- Blueberry Mint Julep – Swap out the blackberries for blueberries to add a tart and sweet flavor to your cocktail.
- Lemon or Lime Mint Julep – Add a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice to your cocktail for a tangy and citrusy twist.
- Peach Mint Julep – Use fresh peach slices instead of blackberries for a juicy and fragrant variation. This can still be a low-carb option as there are approximately 13 net carbs in 1 medium size peach.
Pro Tips
Make ahead tip: Before your guests arrive, Have a bucket of crushed ice ready. Muddle the blackberries and mint them in several julep cups.
Then, all you’ll need to do is add ice, bourbon and stir.
You can use a cocktail smoker to infuse your cocktail with a subtle smoky flavor for an extra special touch.
Experiment with different ratios of blackberries, mint, and
bourbon to find your perfect balance of flavors
If you don’t have a muddler to crush the blackberries and mint, you can use the back of a spoon or fork to mash them gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw them before using them.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Kentucky Derby Blackberry Mint Julep?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Kentucky Derby Blackberry Mint Julep by replacing the bourbon with sugar-free iced tea or lemonade. You can also use your favorite flavor, sparkling water.
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw them before using them.
Is bourbon low carb?
It is considered low-carb because a 1.5-ounce serving of bourbon contains approximately 0 grams of carbohydrates. However, consuming bourbon in moderation is important, as excessive alcohol consumption can hinder weight loss for some following a low-carb lifestyle.
More of Natasha’s Southern Keto Recipes!
If you love down-home southern cooking, Check out my Southern Keto cookbooks! I’ve written 3 cookbooks, and each book has over 100 recipes in it. As always, they use easy-to-find ingredients.
Kentucky Derby Blackberry Mint Julep (Low Carb, Keto)
Ingredients
- 6-8 mint leaves, torn plus more for garnish
- 6-8 blackberries plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon confectioners sweetener
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Crushed or pebble ice
Instructions
- In a 12-ounce julep cup or rocks glass, gently muddle the mint, blackberries and sweetener until the sweetener is dissolved.
- Fill the cup halfway with ice. Pour the bourbon over the ice and use a bar spoon to mix the bourbon and ice. Fill the cup with ice the rest of the way and mound it at the top. Garnish with blackberries and mint leaves.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is included as a courtesy and is calculated to the best of my ability, using my preferred brands. I recommend calculation your own macros, as they can widely vary depending on the brands of ingredients you use.
Author: Natasha Newton (Natasha's Southern Flavor)
Natasha is the founder of Natasha’s Southern Flavor. She has a passion for sharing delicious family friendly low-carb recipes that are easy to make and use readily accessible ingredients. Natasha has published three bestselling cookbooks. Her books and recipes have been featured by CNET, Delish, Mindbodygreen, Parade and Women’s Health. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, two adult children, and three furbabies.
Read more about Natasha here.