Kentucky Derby Blueberry Mint Juleps

If traditional Mint Juleps aren't your thing, try these delicious Blueberry Mint Juleps. I love how Jessica of HowSweetItIs described her discovery of adding blueberries to concoct these insanely delicious cocktails. Seriously, you don't have to wait until the Kentucky Derby to make these. As she said, they sound like a great Friday night cocktail to me!

Ingredients are all for ONE cocktail:
2 1/2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce mint simple syrup
1 ounce mint blueberry puree
crushed ice
fresh mint leaves

For the mint simple syrup:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
1 bunch of mint leaves

For the blueberry mint puree:
2/3 cup fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons mint simple syrup

TIP:

Be sure to make enough of the simple syrup and blueberry mint puree for your party ahead of time so you don't run out during the party!  This recipe is for ONE cocktail so multiple by how many servings you need for your party.

Making the mint simple syrup:
Combine sugar, mint and water together in a small saucepan and heat over high heat until boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook for another minute or so, then set aside to cool completely. Remove mint before using. You can do this ahead of time and store it in the fridge!

Making the blueberry mint puree:
In a mini food processor or blender, combine blueberries and mint simple syrup until pureed.

Directions:
Combine bourbon, mint simple syrup and mint blueberry puree together and shake or stir well. Pour over crushed iced and serve with extra mint leaves. (crushed ice makes all the difference - use a blender if you must to crush the ice.)