Paul Kushner
The Dragonfruit Mint Julep is a fresh, fruity twist on the Southern classic. It mixes muddled mint with bourbon and adds a splash of dragonfruit juice or puree for a bright, slightly tropical edge. The dragonfruit gives it a pop of color and just enough sweetness to balance the boldness of the bourbon. Served over crushed ice, it’s cold, refreshing, and great for warm days or casual gatherings. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of dragonfruit if you have it. It’s a cool, easy-drinking cocktail with a fun update to a tried-and-true favorite.
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Tasting Notes
The Dragonfruit Mint Julep is a vibrant, tropical twist on the classic julep—refreshing, exotic, and lightly effervescent. Sweet dragonfruit adds a subtly floral, melon-like flavor and a stunning pop of color, while mint brings a cool herbal edge. Lime juice brightens the mix, simple syrup softens the acidity, and tequila replaces bourbon for a lighter, agave-forward finish. Topped with sparkling water and served over crushed ice, it’s crisp, bold, and perfect for hot days or colorful cocktail menus.
Equipment and Glassware
Use a muddler, cocktail shaker, and jigger for mixing. Serve in a julep cup or rocks glass over crushed ice. A bar spoon helps layer and stir gently, and garnish tools will polish your presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz dragonfruit purée
- Handful dragonfruit chunks
- 6 mint leaves (plus more for garnish)
- Sparkling water (to top)
- Mint sprig or dragonfruit wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle: In a shaker or directly in your glass, muddle dragonfruit chunks, mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup until well broken down.
- Add Tequila & Shake: Add tequila and ice, then shake gently to combine and chill.
- Strain: Strain into a julep cup or rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Top & Finish: Add a splash of strained dragonfruit purée and top with sparkling water. Stir gently.
- Garnish: Garnish with a mint sprig and a small dragonfruit wedge or slice for flair.
Pro Tips
- Lightly slap the mint sprig before garnishing to release its oils and aroma.
- Use pink dragonfruit (pitaya) for a bold magenta color.
- Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink cooler longer.
- For a sweeter version, increase the simple syrup to 1 oz or use agave nectar.
When to Serve
Ideal for summer parties, tropical-themed gatherings, or as a refreshing alternative to traditional mojitos and juleps. Its bright color and exotic fruit make it a showstopper at any event.
Recommended Brands
- Sparkling water: Topo Chico, Perrier, or Fever-Tree
- Tequila: Espolòn Blanco, Casa Noble, or Olmeca Altos
- Simple syrup: Homemade or bottled (1:1 sugar to water)
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz dragonfruit purée
- Handful of fresh dragonfruit chunks
- Sparkling water to top
- 6 mint leaves plus more for garnish
- Mint sprig or dragonfruit wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle: In a shaker or directly in your glass, muddle dragonfruit chunks, mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup until well broken down.
- Add Tequila & Shake: Add tequila and ice, then shake gently to combine and chill.
- Strain: Strain into a julep cup or rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Top & Finish: Add a splash of strained dragonfruit purée and top with sparkling water. Stir gently.
- Garnish: Garnish with a mint sprig and a small dragonfruit wedge or slice for flair.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use pink-fleshed dragonfruit for a bold magenta hue.
- Chill your glass ahead of time for an extra-refreshing finish.
- For extra flavor, infuse your simple syrup with mint or lime zest.
