Mint cocktails offer a refreshing twist to your drink menu, going far beyond the classic mojito or julep. These vibrant beverages combine the cooling sensation of mint with various spirits and mixers to create memorable flavor experiences for any occasion.
You’ll find that mint pairs wonderfully with rum, whiskey, gin, and even champagne, allowing for a diverse range of cocktail options.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking to expand your mixology skills, these mint-infused drinks provide the perfect balance of herbal freshness and sophisticated taste that will impress both you and your guests.
1. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a refreshing bourbon cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. It’s famously associated with the Kentucky Derby.
To make a classic Mint Julep, you’ll need bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar and a splash of water in a rocks glass or traditional silver julep cup. Pour in your favorite bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice.
Stir gently until the outside of the glass frosts up.
For variations, you can try adding blackberries, coconut, or even top with champagne for a bubbly twist.
2. Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing cocktail that perfectly showcases mint’s bright flavor. It combines white rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and club soda.
To make a classic Mojito, muddle about 10 mint leaves with sugar and lime juice. Add rum, ice, and top with club soda. Garnish with extra mint sprigs.
You can easily make Mojitos by the pitcher for gatherings. Simply scale up the ingredients – about 36 mint leaves, 1 cup rum, 3 quartered limes, 1/2 cup sugar, and a liter of club soda.
Try different variations like the Cucumber Mojito for a cooling twist or a Vodka Mojito using Smirnoff instead of rum.
3. South Side
The South Side cocktail is a refreshing blend of gin, mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This classic drink was the signature cocktail of the famous 21 Club in New York.
To make a South Side, combine 2 ounces of London dry gin, ¾ ounce of lemon juice, ¾ ounce of simple syrup, and about 12 mint leaves in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Pour everything, including the ice and mint, into a glass. You can garnish with an extra mint leaf for a more polished presentation. The combination of citrus, sweetness, and cool mint makes this perfect for warm weather enjoyment.
4. Spicy Mint Avocado Margarita
The Spicy Mint Avocado Margarita brings a unique twist to traditional margaritas by incorporating creamy avocado and fresh mint. This vibrant green cocktail balances heat from jalapeños with cooling mint flavors.
To make this cocktail, muddle half an avocado with jalapeño slices, mint leaves, and fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker. The muddling process should break down the avocado until it’s smooth with minimal lumps.
Add tequila, triple sec, and agave syrup to the mixture before shaking with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed double rocks glass for a refreshing drink that’s both spicy and cooling.
The beautiful green color makes this cocktail visually appealing, while the unique combination of flavors creates a memorable drinking experience.
5. Old Cuban
The Old Cuban is a modern classic cocktail that blends elements of a mojito and a French 75. It combines aged rum with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, and a splash of sparkling wine.
To make this refreshing drink, you’ll muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar. Then add dark or aged rum and a dash of bitters for complexity.
The cocktail is typically strained into a chilled glass and topped with champagne or sparkling wine. The result is a sophisticated, bubbly drink that’s sweet, citrusy, and minty with added depth from the aged rum.
6. South Mint 75
The South Mint 75 is a refreshing twist on the classic French 75 cocktail. It combines gin, lemon juice, mint, and lemongrass syrup, topped with cava instead of champagne.
To make this drink, you’ll need 2 oz gin, 0.75 oz lemon juice, 0.5-0.75 oz lemongrass syrup, and fresh mint leaves.
Muddle the mint with the syrup, add the remaining ingredients, and shake with ice. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute and top with cava.
The result is a bright, bubbly cocktail with a hint of mint that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
7. Mint Green Old Fashioned
The Mint Green Old Fashioned is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. It adds mint flavors to the traditional whiskey base for a cooling effect.
This cocktail includes whiskey, mint syrup, mint jelly, and is garnished with a maraschino cherry, mint sprig, and orange wheel. The combination creates a beautiful green-tinted drink that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any warm evening.
To make this drink, you’ll need about 1/4 ounce of mint syrup and 1/2 teaspoon of mint jelly along with your standard Old Fashioned ingredients. The mint adds a fresh, cool dimension to the normally warm and spicy cocktail.
8. Moscow Mule with Mint
The Moscow Mule gets a refreshing upgrade with the addition of fresh mint leaves. This popular cocktail combines vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer for a zesty, fizzy drink.
To make this minty version, muddle fresh mint leaves in a copper mug before adding the other ingredients. The mint pairs wonderfully with the spicy kick of ginger beer and the tartness of lime.
For the best flavor, use plenty of ice and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel. Some recipes also include a touch of honey simple syrup to add sweetness.
You can customize your Mint Moscow Mule by using rum instead of vodka for a different spin on this classic cocktail.
9. Hugo Cocktail
The Hugo Cocktail is a refreshing spritz that’s perfect for warm weather. This cocktail combines prosecco with elderflower liqueur for a light, floral taste.
To make a Hugo, you’ll need prosecco, elderflower cordial or liqueur (like St. Germain), fresh mint leaves, and a slice of lime. Some recipes also include a splash of soda water.
The preparation is simple. Add ice to a wine glass, pour in the elderflower liqueur, top with prosecco, and gently stir. Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wheel.
This drink originated in northern Italy and has become increasingly popular as a summer alternative to the Aperol Spritz.
10. Cucumber Mint Cooler
The Cucumber Mint Cooler is a refreshing cocktail perfect for warm days. It combines the crisp flavor of cucumber with bright mint for a truly revitalizing drink.
To make this cooler, you’ll need to muddle cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves in a shaker. Add ice, your choice of spirit (vodka or gin works great), lime juice, and a touch of sweetener if desired.
Shake well and strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with tonic water or soda water for a fizzy finish. The result is a light, garden-fresh cocktail that’s both sophisticated and incredibly refreshing.
This versatile drink can be adjusted to your taste preferences by varying the amount of cucumber or mint.
11. Southside Rickey
The Southside Rickey is a refreshing twist on the classic Southside cocktail, adding soda water for a bubbly finish. It combines gin, lime juice, sugar syrup, and fresh mint leaves.
To make this drink, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar syrup. Add gin, shake with ice, and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with soda water for that signature fizz.
This cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings. The combination of mint and lime creates a bright, refreshing flavor profile that balances well with the botanical notes in the gin.
You can adjust the sweetness to your preference by changing the amount of sugar syrup used.
12. Minty Mellow Yellow
The Minty Mellow Yellow cocktail combines fresh mint leaves with honey and mint gin for a refreshing flavor profile. Yellow Chartreuse adds a complex herbal sweetness that balances perfectly with bright lemon juice.
This drink stands out from other mint cocktails because of its yellow hue and mellow sweetness. The honey softens the citrus notes while enhancing the natural sweetness of the mint.
You can make this cocktail in just five simple steps. It’s perfect for spring gatherings when you want something refreshing but different from the usual mint julep or mojito options.
13. Whiskey Smash
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing cousin to the Mint Julep, offering a bright and zesty flavor profile. It combines bourbon whiskey with fresh mint leaves and lemon for a tangy twist.
To make this cocktail, muddle lemon quarters with mint leaves to release their essential oils. Add bourbon and simple syrup, then shake well with ice until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint for an aromatic finish.
Even if you’re not typically a whiskey drinker, this cocktail’s balance of citrus, sweetness, and mint makes it accessible and enjoyable. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing bourbon drink.
14. Gin Gin Mule
The Gin Gin Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule that swaps vodka for gin and adds fresh mint. Created by Audrey Saunders in 2000 at The Pegu Club in New York City, this cocktail has become a modern classic.
To make one, muddle 6-8 mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Add 45 ml of gin, ice, and a splash of ginger beer. Shake well until chilled.
Pour into a highball or longdrink glass filled with ice. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig. The combination of gin, mint, lime, and spicy ginger beer creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and complex.
15. Mint Paloma
The Mint Paloma is a refreshing twist on the classic Mexican cocktail. It combines tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a touch of mint for a bright, invigorating flavor.
To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint leaves with tequila, lime juice, and a sweetener like agave or simple syrup. Add grapefruit juice and shake well with ice.
You can rim your glass with salt for an authentic touch. Pour the mixture into the glass, add ice, and top with a splash of club soda for effervescence.
For variations, try adding fresh ginger for a spicy kick or use blood orange juice for a colorful twist. This cocktail pairs perfectly with warm weather and Mexican cuisine.
16. Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing British cocktail perfect for summer days. This drink combines Pimm’s No. 1 (a gin-based liqueur) with lemonade or ginger beer and loads of fresh ingredients.
To make one, you’ll need Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade or ginger beer, and a mix of fruits and herbs. The classic recipe includes cucumber wheels, strawberry slices, orange slices, and fresh mint leaves.
Some variations add a splash of gin or simple syrup for extra flavor. The drink is traditionally served in a collins glass over ice, making it wonderfully cooling on hot days.
Pimm’s Cup has strong ties to British summer events like Wimbledon tennis tournament, similar to how Mint Juleps are associated with the Kentucky Derby.
17. Mint Lemonade
Mint lemonade is a refreshing drink that combines the brightness of lemon with the cooling effect of mint. You can enjoy it as is or add a splash of vodka for a simple yet delicious cocktail.
To make this drink, muddle fresh mint leaves with sugar. Then add freshly squeezed lemon juice and water or club soda.
For the alcoholic version, stir in 2 ounces of vodka.
This versatile drink works well for hot summer days or as a special offering during spring gatherings. The mint and lemon combination creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s both invigorating and satisfying.
18. Mint Daiquiri
The Mint Daiquiri is a refreshing twist on the classic daiquiri with a burst of mint flavor. This cocktail combines rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
To make this drink, muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
Add light rum, fresh lime juice, and ice. Shake vigorously until chilled.
You can use either light white rum or a combination of light and gold rum for more depth. Some recipes infuse the rum with mint beforehand for a stronger mint flavor.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a mint sprig. This cooling variation makes a perfect summer sipper.
19. Mint Gin Fizz
The Mint Gin Fizz is a refreshing cocktail that combines the botanical notes of gin with the bright, cooling flavor of mint. This drink gets its aromatic zing from muddled mint leaves and a splash of fresh lemon juice.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, and club soda.
Start by muddling mint leaves in a shaker, then add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake everything with ice and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with club soda for that signature fizz and garnish with a sprig of mint.
This cool, bubbly drink is perfect for hot summer days or as a palate-refreshing aperitif.
20. Mint Grasshopper
The Mint Grasshopper is a classic after-dinner drink known for its vibrant green color and refreshing chocolate-mint flavor. This vintage cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy mint chocolate ice cream.
To make this smooth treat, you’ll need equal parts of crème de menthe and crème de cacao (about 1 ounce each), plus 1 ounce of heavy cream. Some variations add a splash of white rum or vodka for extra kick.
Simply shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
You can garnish with a fresh mint leaf or chocolate shavings if desired. The creamy texture and sweet minty taste make it a delightful dessert in cocktail form.
21. Mint Caipirinha
The Mint Caipirinha adds a refreshing twist to Brazil’s national cocktail. This variation incorporates fresh mint leaves with the traditional ingredients of cachaça, lime, and sugar.
To make this drink, muddle 6-8 mint leaves with 1-2 teaspoons of sugar or honey in a rocks glass.
Add 2-3 lime wedges and muddle again to release the juice and oils. Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour in 2 ounces of cachaça.
Stir well to combine all flavors and chill the drink.
The mint adds a cooling sensation that complements the fruity tartness of lime and the distinctive grassy notes of cachaça. You can also try variations with grapefruit or pineapple for additional flavor dimensions.
The History of Mint in Cocktails
Mint has been a beloved cocktail ingredient for centuries, prized for its refreshing aroma and versatile flavor profile. The herb’s journey from medicinal use to cocktail stardom spans continents and cultures.
Origins of Mint Use
Mint’s story in drinks begins long before modern cocktails existed. The term “julep” comes from an Arabic word meaning “rosewater,” highlighting the ancient connections of mint-based beverages.
As early as the late 1700s, mint was already being combined with spirits.
In early America, mint juleps were originally consumed as medicine. Farmers would start their day with a mint-infused alcohol drink, believing it prevented illness and provided energy for fieldwork.
Europeans also recognized mint’s digestive properties. They created mint-infused spirits and cordials to settle stomachs after heavy meals. These medicinal preparations eventually evolved into more pleasurable drinks.
Evolution in Cocktail Culture
By the 19th century, mint had transitioned from purely medicinal use to cocktail ingredient. The mint julep became associated with Southern culture, particularly Kentucky Derby celebrations.
The smash, another historic mint cocktail, developed around the same time as the julep. Both featured the winning combination of mint, sugar, and spirits. The refreshing nature of mint made it particularly popular in warm weather drinks.
The 20th century saw mint featured in classics like the Mojito and Southside. The Southside blends gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Today, bartenders experiment with different mint varieties. Some use peppermint to brighten gin drinks, while others prefer spearmint for its more delicate flavor. Mint remains one of the most versatile and beloved cocktail herbs.
Health Benefits of Mint in Cocktails
Mint offers more than just a refreshing flavor in your cocktails. This versatile herb contains several properties that can benefit your health while you enjoy your drink.
Nutritional Properties of Mint
Mint leaves are surprisingly nutritious for such a small herb. They contain significant amounts of vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. Mint also provides manganese, copper, and small amounts of vitamin C.
The aromatic oils in mint, particularly menthol, give it both its distinctive scent and many of its health properties. These oils contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals in your body.
Fresh mint has more nutritional value than dried mint, making it the preferred choice for cocktails.
When you muddle mint in your mojito or other drinks, you release these beneficial compounds.
Even in small quantities, mint can contribute to your daily nutrient intake while making your cocktail more enjoyable.
Mint’s Impact on Digestion
Mint has been used for centuries as a digestive aid. This makes it particularly valuable in after-dinner cocktails. The menthol in mint relaxes the muscles of your digestive tract, which can help reduce bloating and indigestion.
If you sometimes experience discomfort after meals, a mint-based cocktail might provide some relief. The soothing properties of mint can help calm your stomach.
Mint may also stimulate digestive enzymes, potentially helping your body process food more efficiently. This makes mint cocktails a smart choice when enjoying rich meals.
The herb’s calming effect extends to helping reduce nausea and stomach cramps. For maximum digestive benefits, try cocktails that use fresh muddled mint rather than mint syrups or extracts.
