Ginger-Mint Juleps with Fresh Pineapple

Nealey Dozier
Nealey Dozier
Nealey Dozier is a former wedding planner turned chef, culinary instructor, recipe developer, and food writer. She is based in Atlanta. You can find more of her Southern adventures in eating and entertaining at www.dixiecaviar.com.
updated Apr 26, 2021
summer
Be the first to leave a review!
Post Image
Credit: Nealey Dozier

This fresh take on the classic, with pineapple chunks, spicy ginger syrup, and a sprinkle of black peppercorns, will be your go-to from now until summer meets its final days.

Makes1 cocktail

Jump to Recipe
Jump to Recipe
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Nealey Dozier)

I’ve never been to the Kentucky Derby, but every year my family and friends celebrate it as if we were racing heirs from Lexington. Our standard menu includes everything from ham biscuits, hot browns, and homemade Derby pie. A few rounds of Mint Juleps, of course, are a must. This fresh take on the classic, with pineapple chunks, spicy ginger syrup, and a sprinkle of black peppercorns, will be your go-to from now until summer meets its final days.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

This year I decided to branch out from the traditional Mint Julep, and I may never look back. A spicy ginger syrup tinged with black peppercorns stands in place of the usual simple syrup, and pineapple chunks are muddled right alongside the mint. Kentucky bourbon is poured over a mountain of finely crushed ice, followed by a splash (or two) of pineapple juice to bring all of the flavors home.

This julep is sweet and spicy and just as good as the original. Watch out, though! The actual race may only last two minutes, but these can knock you out in just one.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
Comments

Ginger-Mint Juleps with Fresh Pineapple

This fresh take on the classic, with pineapple chunks, spicy ginger syrup, and a sprinkle of black peppercorns, will be your go-to from now until summer meets its final days.

Makes 1 cocktail

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10

    mint leaves

  • 2

    heaping tablespoons chopped pineapple

  • 2 tablespoons

    ginger syrup (see recipe below)

  • 2 ounces

    (1/4 cup) Kentucky bourbon, such as Maker's Mark

  • 3 tablespoons

    pineapple juice, or more to taste

  • Mint springs and pineapple wedges, for garnish

Instructions

Show Images

  1. Place mint, pineapple, and ginger syrup into the bottom of a cocktail glass or julep cup.

  2. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, mash the ingredients to release the flavors. 

  3. Pack finely crushed ice over the fruit mixture, filling the glass all the way to the top. Pour the whiskey over the ice, followed by the pineapple juice and stir gently to combine. Top with more crushed ice to fill the glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint and wedge of pineapple. The drink will be stiff at first but mellows as the ice melts. Add more pineapple you want it sweeter. 

Recipe Notes

To make a batch of 4 juleps, quadruple the amounts of syrup, mint, and pineapple and muddle in glass bowl. Split between 4 cocktail glasses and continue with the recipe.

Comments

Ginger Syrup

Makes 2 cups

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 4 cups

    water

  • 2 cups

    sugar

  • 1 cup

    peeled, sliced ginger 

  • 2 teaspoons

    black peppercorns

Instructions

Show Images

  1. Bring water, sugar, ginger, and peppercorns to a boil in a large sauce pot over high heat. Turn down to medium and cook, maintaing a rapid simmer, until liquid is reduced to 2 cups, about 1 hour. 

  2. Transfer the mixture (do not strain) to a heat proof container to cool completely. Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for two months, or half the recipe if desired.

(Images: Nealey Dozier)

Filed in:
Beverages
Cocktails
Drinks