According to the Kentucky Derby, almost 120,000 mint juleps are served over the two-day horseracing event at Churchill Downs Racetrack each year. That’s a lot of mint and whiskey! If you’re planning a Kentucky Derby party, try our Colorado inspired version of the mint julep with a tea infused twist. Teatulia Green Tea’s fresh grassy flavor adds depth to Stranahan’s sweet Colorado whiskey, while sugar and lemon lend a sweet tea element to this refreshing cocktail. As you search for the perfect Kentucky Derby hat to wear, don’t forget to stock up on whiskey, mint, and tea.

You’ll likely want to make more than one Green Tea Mint Julep.

Adapted from a recipe submitted to Teatulia by Justin Russell from Denver champagne bar Corridor44.

Makes 2 cocktails

Ingredients

• 4 oz. water
• 1 pyramid tea bags Teatulia Green Tea*
• For each cocktail:
• Juice of half a lemon, plus lemon wedge for garnish
• Sugar to rim glass
• 2 sprigs of mint
• 1 oz. simple syrup (or ½ oz. agave nectar)
• 2 oz. of the brewed Teatulia Green Tea
• 1.5 oz. Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
• Crushed ice 

Preparation:

Bring water to a boil and pour over tea bags. Let steep 3 minutes then strain and discard tea bags. Let brewed tea cool to room temperature. For each cocktail: Juice the lemon half.

Rub the flesh side of the juiced half along the rim of a cocktail glass then roll the rim around in sugar to coat. Add 1 spring of mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup (or agave) to the glass and muddle together with the handle of a wooden spoon. Fill glass half way with crushed ice and pour in brewed tea and whiskey. Stir a few times and garnish with remaining sprig of mint and a small wedge of lemon.

*You’ll brew enough tea to make 2 cocktails.