3 Summer Cocktails to Make if You Grow Your Own Mint

Mint Julep
Mint Julep. Photo by Ari Agustian on Unsplash

Ah, summer, the perfect time for mint cocktails! Mint is cooling and refreshing, plus it meshes nicely with many different flavors. It’s also a very common house plant! If you grow mint at home, here are three delicious cocktails you can make with your own home-grow crop.

Mint Julep

Hailing from the old South, the mint julep was a morning drink in the early 19th century and is now the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. It’s extremely simple to make—the only ingredients are bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint, and crushed ice.

The Cuke

This cocktail is perfect for those who grow cucumbers as well as mint in their garden or who just love cucumber water on a hot day. Originally thought up by Adam Frank for a New York Times summer drink contest, it’s meant to be made with Hendrick’s gin which is lightly flavored with cucumbers (but vodka may be substituted). Use a fresh cut cucumber, fresh mint, and some lime juice. You’ll also need some sparkling water and some sugar. Ultra refreshing!

Old Cuban

Created by Audrey Saunders at the turn of the century, the Old Cuban adds a French 75 twist to the classic mojito. It does this by using the main mojito ingredients—lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint of course—but deviates by using aged rum instead of white. Just add bitters and a splash of fizzy champagne to top it off.