Kentucky Pear Mint Julep

Enjoy the Run for the Roses on Kentucky Derby Day with this midwest version of the classic recipe: Kentucky Pear Mint Julep.

Kentucky Pear Mint Julep Recipe

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Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, Kentucky is the host to the Kentucky Derby and the Home of the signature drink of the Run for the Roses: Mint Julep.

But here in the midwest, we’re fond of our four-legged racing friends too and love to raise a glass to the winner with this timely take on the classic recipe: Kentucky Pear Mint Julep.

The truth is, spring wouldn’t be spring without watching the Kentucky Derby. That first Saturday each May, you’ll find me glued to the television to see which horse will cross the finish line first.

I get caught up in all of the excitement as the ponies are paraded around the grounds and love to see the bright colors of the jockeys’ silks. 

But what fascinates me more is the race itself. It may only be one and a quarter miles long but it certainly is an exciting two minutes of sheer power and equine adrenaline racing down the track.

So to celebrate the Run for the Roses, I came up with the idea for this deliciously simple Kentucky Pear Mint Julep recipe. I love the freshness of the combination of mint and pear and when pared (no pun intended) with Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, well, it’s as if you’re right there with the cheering crowd.

This recipe takes minimal ingredients, basically pear juice or nectar, mint leaves, ice and, of course, bourbon. It’s made similarly like my Spa Mojito Recipe, found right here on Wisconsin Homemaker. 

To Make:

Muddle the mint leaves with the pear juice or pear nectar, add the bourbon and ice and fill with the rest of the pear juice.

And, yes, it’s that quick and easy—smooth and tasty too. Enjoy!

For more delicious drink recipes, be sure to check out Wisconsin Homemaker’s Recipe Section.

5 from 2 votes

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Kentucky Pear Mint Julep Recipe

Enjoy the Run for the Roses on Kentucky Derby Day with this midwest version of the classic recipe: Kentucky Pear Mint Julep.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword 5-minutes-or-less, bourbon, Kentucky Derby, summer drink

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 serving

Calories 238 kcal

Author Deborah L Melian

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pear juice or nectar*
• 4 mint leaves
• 2.5 oz Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
• ice

Instructions

1. Gently muddle the mint leaves with 1 tbsp pear juice at the bottom of a glass.
2. Fill 3/4 of the glass with ice cubes and add the Kentucky bourbon. Stir well.
3. Splash with more pear juice and again, stir well.
4. Garnish with additional mint leaves. Serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*You’ll need more or less of the pear juice or nectar, depending upon the size or volume of your glass.

Nutrition Facts

Kentucky Pear Mint Julep Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 238

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0g 0%

Saturated Fat 0g 0%

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 11mg 0%

Potassium 161mg 5%

Total Carbohydrates 15g 5%

Dietary Fiber 0g 0%

Sugars 9g

Protein 0g 0%

Vitamin A 3.4%

Vitamin C 52.3%

Calcium 1.5%

Iron 1.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.