Sparkling Fizzy Julep: The Ultimate Bubbly Cocktail for Festive Celebrations
Ring in any special occasion with a celebratory Fizzy Julep, a cocktail that beautifully combines the timeless charm of a classic mint julep with an unexpected, effervescent twist. This light, refreshing, and undeniably festive drink is your perfect companion for New Year’s Eve, the Kentucky Derby, a vibrant brunch, or simply a sophisticated evening gathering. Prepare to elevate your cocktail game with this bubbly sensation.
Why This Sparkling Julep Recipe is a Must-Try
The Fizzy Julep, sometimes referred to as a sparkling mint julep, takes the esteemed foundation of a classic mint julep and elevates it with the delightful addition of bubbly champagne. This isn’t just a slight variation; it’s a complete transformation that introduces a layer of sophistication and festivity to a beloved Southern staple. Imagine the cool, crisp essence of muddled fresh mint mingling with a hint of sugar, the warming embrace of fine bourbon, all crowned with the delicate effervescence of champagne.
This cocktail works so well because it achieves a perfect balance. The champagne lightens the intensity of the bourbon, making it incredibly approachable even for those who might find a traditional mint julep too strong. The bubbles enhance the aromatic mint and sweet notes, creating a complex yet harmonized flavor profile that dances on your palate. It’s an enticing cocktail perfectly crafted for celebrations – from lively New Year’s countdowns to elegant garden parties or even just a relaxed weekend brunch. So, grab your party hats (or your most stylish Derby fascinators!) and let’s delve into creating this spectacular drink.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Fizzy Julep
Crafting this delightful Fizzy Julep requires just a handful of quality ingredients. For exact measurements and a printable version of this recipe, be sure to scroll to the end of this post!
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient and its role is key to mastering this cocktail. Here’s a deeper dive, along with some helpful substitution suggestions:
FRESH MINT – A mint julep, in any form, lives and dies by the quality of its mint. Always opt for fresh, vibrant mint leaves. Spearmint is the traditional choice, offering a bright, sweet, and cooling aroma that is quintessential to the julep experience. The act of muddling releases the essential oils, so don’t skimp on this step!
CHAMPAGNE – This is where the “fizzy” magic happens! Use your favorite type of champagne. Brut (dry) champagne is often preferred as it doesn’t add excessive sweetness, allowing the bourbon and mint to shine. We often opt for mini bottles, which are perfectly sized for two cocktails, ensuring every pour is fresh and bubbly. However, a full bottle is ideal for serving a larger crowd. If champagne isn’t your preference or budget allows, feel free to substitute with Prosecco or any good quality sparkling wine. Both offer similar effervescence and a lovely flavor profile. For a non-alcoholic bubbly option, club soda or lemon-lime soda like Sprite work wonderfully, creating a delightful mocktail for all to enjoy.
BOURBON – The heart and soul of any julep. If you’re aiming for authenticity or a truly premium experience, pick up some Woodford Reserve – it’s famously the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby mint julep. However, don’t feel limited! Any high-quality bourbon you enjoy drinking on its own will perform admirably here. The bourbon provides a rich, warm, and slightly sweet base with notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla. For a slightly spicier kick, you could experiment with a good rye whiskey, which will add a different dimension to the cocktail.
SUGAR – This cocktail is surprisingly strong, primarily composed of bourbon with a bubbly top-off, which is why a small teaspoon of sugar is crucial. It acts as a balancing agent, mellowing the bourbon’s potency and enhancing the fresh mint notes without making the drink overly sweet. Granulated sugar works perfectly fine, but you can elevate the experience by using simple syrup (a 1:1 sugar-water solution). Simple syrup dissolves more easily, ensuring a smoother, more consistent sweetness throughout the drink. You can also adjust the amount to your personal preference, or even omit it entirely for a drier, more bourbon-forward profile.
ICE – Often overlooked, but vital! Crushed ice is traditional for juleps as it melts slowly, continuously chilling the drink without excessive dilution, and creates a beautiful frosted glass. If you don’t have crushed ice, regular ice cubes will work, but consider chilling your glasses beforehand.
Crafting Your Fizzy Julep: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe perfectly. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions at the bottom of this post.
Essential Tools for Success:
- Cocktail Shaker: For mixing and chilling your bourbon base.
- Muddler: To gently extract the aromatic oils from the fresh mint.
- Champagne Flutes: The ideal vessel to showcase the bubbles and elegance of your Fizzy Julep.
-
Muddle the Mint and Sugar: Place a generous handful of fresh mint leaves along with your teaspoon of granulated sugar (or simple syrup) into the bottom of your cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, gently press the mint leaves a few times, just enough to release their fragrant oils. Avoid over-muddling or tearing the leaves, as this can release bitter chlorophyll.
-
Add Bourbon and Ice, Then Shake: Fill the shaker with plenty of ice, then pour in the measured bourbon. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This ensures the mixture is thoroughly chilled and well-integrated. The shaker should feel very cold to the touch.
-
Strain into Flutes: Prepare two chilled champagne flutes. Strain the chilled bourbon and mint mixture directly into the flutes, dividing it evenly. You want to leave the muddled mint leaves behind in the shaker for a clean drink.
-
Top with Champagne and Garnish: Carefully top each flute with the chilled champagne. The bubbles will rise beautifully, mingling with the bourbon-mint base. For an elegant finish, garnish each cocktail with a fresh sprig of mint. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing fizz!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for the Perfect Fizzy Julep
Absolutely! You can easily create a delightful mocktail fizzy julep for a non-alcoholic option. Simply substitute both the bourbon and the champagne with ginger ale, or use a combination of half ginger ale and half club soda (or sparkling water/alcohol-free sparkling wine) for a less sweet version. For a mocktail that mimics the bourbon flavor, look for non-alcoholic bourbon alternatives available on the market and combine it with sparkling cider or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The muddled mint will still provide that refreshing julep essence!
You can certainly do some prep work! The mint and sugar can be muddled together a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can even add the bourbon to this mixture and keep it chilled. However, for the best effervescence, always add the champagne just before serving. This ensures maximum fizz and freshness.
Spearmint is the traditional choice for mint juleps, known for its sweet, crisp, and refreshing aroma. Avoid peppermint, which can be too strong and medicinal. Always use fresh mint, as dried mint will not provide the same vibrant flavor or aromatic oils needed for this cocktail.
Making simple syrup is incredibly easy! Combine equal parts granulated sugar and hot water (e.g., 1 cup sugar to 1 cup water). Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool completely before using. You can store homemade simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
If you don’t have an ice maker that produces crushed ice, you can make your own. Place ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel or a sturdy freezer bag, then gently crush them with a muddler, rolling pin, or meat mallet. Be careful not to break the bag!
Serving Your Fizzy Julep: Presentation Matters
While classic mint juleps are traditionally served in metal julep cups, this Fizzy Julep truly shines in elegant champagne flutes. The narrow, tall design of a flute helps to preserve the champagne’s bubbles and allows you to appreciate the beautiful golden hue of the cocktail. However, don’t feel limited – any kind of serving glass you have on hand, such as a coupe glass or even a rocks glass, can work in a pinch. Just ensure your glasses are chilled beforehand for an optimal drinking experience.
A fresh sprig of mint is the perfect garnish, not only adding a pop of vibrant green but also releasing a refreshing aroma with every sip. For an extra touch of flair, consider adding a thin slice of lemon or a few fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully) to the flute. This cocktail pairs beautifully with light appetizers like bruschetta, a delicate cheese board, or fresh fruit. It’s also an exceptional choice for brunch, pairing well with quiches, pastries, and egg dishes. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, the Fizzy Julep is sure to be a show-stopping beverage.
Explore More Delightful Cocktail Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the refreshing taste of our Fizzy Julep, you’re in for a treat! We have a curated collection of other exquisite cocktail recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From vibrant and fruity to elegantly classic, discover your next favorite drink:
- Bellini: A timeless Italian sparkling wine cocktail, perfect for brunch.
- French 75: A sophisticated gin and champagne cocktail with a citrusy kick.
- Cotton Candy Champagne: A whimsical and sweet bubbly drink that’s pure fun.
- New Year’s Champagne Cocktail: Classic and elegant, ideal for toasting new beginnings.
I absolutely adore sharing my passion for cooking and baking with all of you! To make sure you never miss out on a new recipe, I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time something new posts. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes, tips, and inspiration!
Fizzy Julep
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Rate It
Save It
Saved!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (or 1/2 oz simple syrup)
- 4 ounces bourbon (or your preferred whiskey)
- Ice (preferably crushed)
- 8 ounces chilled champagne (6-8 oz, or Prosecco/sparkling wine)
Things You’ll Need
-
Cocktail shaker
-
Muddler
-
2 Champagne flutes
Before You Begin: Important Notes for Success
- Choosing Your Bubbly: Use your favorite type of champagne. Brut (dry) is recommended for balance. Mini bottles are perfect for two cocktails, but a full bottle is great for larger groups. Feel free to substitute with Prosecco or sparkling wine. For a non-alcoholic option, use club soda, sparkling water, or Sprite.
- Bourbon Selection: While Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, any quality bourbon you enjoy will work beautifully. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Sweetness Control: The recipe calls for a teaspoon of granulated sugar, which helps balance the strong bourbon. You can easily substitute this with simple syrup for quicker dissolving and a smoother drink. Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, or omit it entirely for a drier, more bourbon-forward cocktail.
- Fresh Mint is Key: Always use fresh spearmint leaves for the best flavor and aroma. Gently muddle to release oils without bitterness.
- Chilled Glasses: For the ultimate refreshing experience, chill your champagne flutes in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Instructions
-
Place fresh mint leaves and granulated sugar (or simple syrup) in the bottom of your cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the mint to release its aromatic oils – aim for a few gentle presses, not crushing.
-
Fill the shaker with ice, then add the bourbon. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds, until the shaker is thoroughly chilled.
-
Strain the chilled bourbon-mint mixture into two pre-chilled champagne flutes, ensuring no mint fragments pass through.
-
Carefully top each flute with chilled champagne. Garnish with an additional fresh mint sprig and serve immediately. Cheers!
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Mocktail Version: To create a non-alcoholic Fizzy Julep, simply replace the bourbon and champagne with ginger ale or a mix of ginger ale and club soda (or sparkling water/alcohol-free sparkling wine).
- Flavor Variations: For a fruity twist, muddle a few fresh raspberries or blackberries with the mint, or add a splash of peach or elderflower liqueur before shaking.
- Batch Preparation: For larger gatherings, you can pre-mix the muddled mint, sugar, and bourbon ahead of time. Keep this mixture chilled in a pitcher, then simply pour over ice and top with champagne when ready to serve.
- Perfect Ice: Using crushed ice helps keep the drink colder for longer and provides the classic julep aesthetic.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 194kcal |
Carbohydrates: 3g |
Sodium: 8mg |
Potassium: 99mg |
Sugar: 3g |
Calcium: 10mg |
Iron: 0.5mg
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Original recipe courtesy of SugarSpiceandGlitter. This post originally appeared here on December 20, 2016 and has since been updated with new photos and expanded expert tips.