There’s nothing quite like the taste of a black raspberry-laced Mint Julep on a blistery, hot end-of-summer day.
Or Margarita, depending upon your preference.  But when mixing your own, for your own backyard BBQ, there’s always that issue about the simple-syrup or cordial.  I’ve never liked the idea of adding those grocery-store mixers, laden with corn syrup, sugar or other sweeteners.  This summer at the lake we experimented with using the Raspberry-flavored Ginger Bug Soda as the “mixer.”
Wow. And with fresh black raspberries popping every day, it was hard to resist.
This was the perfect blend — combined with the supply of fresh mint we found growing along the edge of the lake.
After playing around, quite a bit, here’s the recipe we used.
Raspberry Flavored Mint Julep
- 1/2 – 1 Part Raspberry Ginger Bug Soda
- 1/2 part Lime Juice
- 1 1/2 Bourbon
- 14 Fresh Mint Leaves
- 5 Fresh Raspberries
Muddle mint leaves, fresh raspberries with Ginger Bug, and pour over ice.
Hmmm. Summer is coming here. Tomorrow it willl be 23C and that julep sounds inviting. The drink I discovered over last summer here in Aus, was the Caipirinha. I heartily recommend you give it a try..