Mint cocktails offer a refreshing twist on classic drinks. These cool and tasty beverages blend the crisp flavor of mint with various spirits and mixers.

You’ll find options ranging from simple to complex, perfect for sipping on hot summer days or any time you want a bright, minty drink.

Mint adds a burst of freshness to cocktails that wakes up your taste buds. Whether you prefer gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey, there’s a mint cocktail recipe to suit your tastes.

From well-known favorites like mojitos to creative new concoctions, mint drinks provide endless ways to enjoy this versatile herb in liquid form. Get ready to explore some delicious mint cocktail ideas you can easily make at home.

1. Mojito

The Mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that’s perfect for hot summer days. You’ll need white rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and soda water to make this refreshing drink.

Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar and lime juice in a glass. This releases the mint’s oils and flavors.

Add white rum and ice, then top with soda water. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge. The result is a crisp, minty, and slightly sweet drink that’s sure to cool you down.

2. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on hot summer days. You’ll need bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice to make this refreshing drink.

Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar in a julep cup or rocks glass. Add bourbon and fill the glass halfway with crushed ice.

Stir to combine and chill the mixture. Top off the glass with more crushed ice until it’s slightly mounded above the rim.

Garnish with a fresh mint sprig for a beautiful presentation.

For a twist, try a Peach Julep by using peach syrup instead of sugar and adding fresh peach slices as a garnish.

3. Southside

The Southside is a refreshing gin cocktail that combines mint, citrus, and sweetness. It’s often described as a gin-based mojito or a minty gimlet.

To make a Southside, you’ll need gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves.

Muddle the mint in a shaker, then add the other ingredients with ice and shake well. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.

You can serve it up in a cocktail glass or over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

For variations, try adding muddled berries or swapping the gin for vodka. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or rosemary alongside the mint.

4. Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz is a refreshing cocktail that combines elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and mint. It’s a modern twist on the classic Italian spritz.

To make a Hugo Spritz, you’ll need elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain), Prosecco, club soda, and fresh mint leaves.

Add the mint and elderflower liqueur to a wine glass and gently press the leaves. Pour in the Prosecco and club soda, then add ice.

Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel for extra flair.

This light and bubbly drink is perfect for warm summer days. Its low alcohol content makes it a great choice for casual sipping.

5. Mint Margarita

The Mint Margarita puts a fresh twist on the classic cocktail. This drink combines tequila, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness with cooling mint.

To make one, muddle fresh mint leaves in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Shake well with ice and strain into a glass. For extra minty flavor, garnish with a sprig of mint.

You can rim the glass with salt or sugar if you prefer. Some recipes include a splash of triple sec or Cointreau too.

This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm summer days. The mint adds a crisp, invigorating taste that complements the tart lime and smooth tequila.

6. Mint Smash

The Mint Smash is a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. It combines whiskey, fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

To make it, muddle mint leaves in a glass. Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well. You can customize your Mint Smash by using different spirits.

Try vodka or rum for a twist on the classic recipe. Garnish with extra mint sprigs and lemon slices for a pretty presentation.

This drink is similar to a Mojito but with whiskey instead of rum. It’s a great way to cool off and enjoy the fresh flavor of mint.

7. Grasshopper

The Grasshopper is a sweet, minty cocktail that’s perfect for dessert. It gets its name from its bright green color.

To make a Grasshopper, you’ll need crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Mix equal parts of each ingredient in a shaker with ice.

Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. For extra flair, garnish with a mint sprig or chocolate shavings.

Some variations add cognac or rum for more kick. You can also blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen version.

The Grasshopper was created in New Orleans in 1918. It’s been a popular after-dinner drink ever since.

8. Stinger

The Stinger is a classic two-ingredient cocktail that’s easy to make. You’ll need Cognac and white crème de menthe.

Mix 2 ounces of Cognac with 1 ounce of white crème de menthe in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 10-15 seconds until chilled.

Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice or serve it straight up in a chilled cocktail glass. For a nice touch, add a fresh mint leaf as a garnish.

You can adjust the ratio of Cognac to crème de menthe to suit your taste. Some prefer a stronger Cognac flavor, while others enjoy more mint.

9. Mint Gin Fizz

The Mint Gin Fizz is a refreshing cocktail perfect for warm days. It combines gin, lime juice, sugar syrup, and fresh mint leaves.

To make this drink, you’ll need a shaker filled with ice. Add gin, lime juice, sugar syrup, and mint leaves.

Shake well to mix the ingredients and chill the drink. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.

Top it off with sparkling water for a fizzy finish. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

For extra flavor, try adding cucumber slices or a splash of ginger beer. You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of sugar syrup used.

10. Mint Martini

The Mint Martini is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. You’ll love its cool, crisp flavor.

To make one, mix vodka or gin with a splash of dry vermouth. Add fresh mint leaves and muddle gently.

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. For extra minty flavor, try infusing your spirits with mint beforehand.

Simply add mint leaves to the bottle and let it sit for a few days. Garnish your Mint Martini with a fresh mint sprig or lemon twist.

It’s perfect for sipping on warm summer evenings.

11. Frozen Mint Daiquiri

The Frozen Mint Daiquiri is a cool twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. It blends rum, lime juice, sugar, and fresh mint with crushed ice for a frosty treat.

To make one, you’ll need white rum, lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice. Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.

Pour the slushy mixture into a chilled glass. You can garnish with a sprig of mint or a lime wedge if you like.

This drink is perfect for hot summer days. The mint adds a refreshing kick to the sweet and tangy daiquiri base.

12. Mint Paloma

The Mint Paloma is a refreshing twist on the classic Mexican cocktail. It combines tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and club soda with fresh mint leaves.

To make this drink, start by muddling mint leaves in a glass. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice.

Fill the glass with ice and top it off with club soda. For extra flavor, you can rim the glass with salt before pouring in the drink.

The mint adds a cool, fresh taste that pairs well with the citrus flavors.

You can easily adjust this recipe to make a non-alcoholic version. Simply leave out the tequila and add more club soda or grapefruit juice instead.

13. Mint Caipirinha

The Mint Caipirinha adds a fresh twist to Brazil’s national cocktail. You’ll need cachaca, lime, sugar, and mint leaves to make this refreshing drink.

Start by muddling lime wedges with sugar in a glass. Add a handful of mint leaves and gently press to release their oils.

Pour in cachaca and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir well to mix all the ingredients and chill the drink.

The result is a zesty, minty cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather. The mint adds a cool, aromatic touch to the classic Caipirinha’s tart-sweet flavor.

You can adjust the sugar to your taste. For extra mintiness, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

14. Mint Bourbon Lemonade

This cocktail mixes bourbon, fresh mint, and tangy lemonade for a cool summer drink. You’ll love its balance of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors.

To make it, muddle mint leaves in a glass. Add bourbon and lemonade, then stir well.

Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon slice and mint sprig. For extra freshness, use homemade lemonade.

You can also add a splash of soda water for some fizz. This drink is great for barbecues or relaxing on hot days.

Try different bourbons to find your favorite taste. Some people like to add a touch of simple syrup for more sweetness.

15. Minty Negroni

The Minty Negroni adds a refreshing twist to the classic cocktail. This variation combines gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth with a hint of mint.

To make a Minty Negroni, muddle a few mint leaves in a mixing glass. Add 1 oz each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

Fill the glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Garnish with a sprig of mint or a twist of orange peel. The result is a cool, herbaceous take on the traditional Negroni.

You can adjust the mint flavor by adding more leaves or using a mint-infused gin. This cocktail is perfect for warm summer evenings or when you want a unique spin on a beloved drink.

16. Minty Moscow Mule

The Minty Moscow Mule adds a refreshing twist to the classic cocktail. You’ll love this cool drink on a warm day.

To make it, you’ll need vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and fresh mint leaves.

Muddle a few mint leaves in a copper mug. Add ice, vodka, and lime juice. Top it off with ginger beer and stir gently.

Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge. The mint adds a burst of freshness to the zesty ginger and lime flavors.

This drink is perfect for summer parties or relaxing evenings. You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less ginger beer.

History of Mint Cocktails

Mint cocktails have a long and fascinating history. These refreshing drinks have evolved from medicinal tonics to beloved classics enjoyed around the world.

Origins and Popularity

Mint cocktails got their start in the 18th century as medicinal drinks. Doctors prescribed mint juleps to treat stomach problems and other ailments.

As time went on, people began drinking them for pleasure instead of medicine. The mint julep became very popular in the southern United States, especially Kentucky. It’s been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby horse race since 1938.

Other mint cocktails also gained fans in the 1800s and early 1900s. The South Side, made with gin and mint, was a hit in Chicago. The mojito from Cuba mixed rum with mint and lime.

Cultural Significance

Mint cocktails have played important roles in American culture and history. The mint julep is a symbol of Southern hospitality and genteel living.

It appears in many books and movies about the South. These drinks were part of the “golden age of cocktails” in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

This was when many classic cocktails were invented and became popular. Mint cocktails have stayed relevant by evolving with the times.

Bartenders create new variations with different spirits and flavors. You can find mint in modern craft cocktails at trendy bars.

Mint Varieties Used in Cocktails

Mint adds a refreshing kick to cocktails. Different types of mint can change the flavor of your drinks.

Let’s look at the main mint varieties and how to grow them.

Spearmint vs. Peppermint

Spearmint has a sweet, mild flavor. It’s great in mojitos and juleps.

The leaves are bright green and pointy. Peppermint is stronger and cooler. It has more menthol than spearmint.

Peppermint works well in chocolate drinks and creamy cocktails. You can tell them apart by smell.

Spearmint is light and fresh. Peppermint is bold and icy.

Try both in your drinks to see which you like best. Mix them for a complex mint flavor.

Growing Your Own Mint

Mint is easy to grow at home. You can plant it in pots or in your garden.

Mint likes moist soil and some shade. Water it often, but don’t let it sit in wet soil.

Be careful – mint spreads quickly. Use containers to keep it under control.

Harvest mint leaves before the plant flowers for the best flavor. Pinch off the top leaves to encourage bushier growth.

Fresh mint tastes best in cocktails. Pick leaves right before you use them.

You can also dry mint to use later. Hang bunches upside down in a dark, dry place.