Easy Mint Julep Cupcakes

Today I have the perfect boozy cupcake recipe for you: easy mint julep cupcakes. Full of delicious bourbon, warm vanilla and bright, fresh mint, these are the best cupcakes for a Kentucky Derby party. And even though the Kentucky Derby is months away, I can’t wait to serve these!

 

Mint juleps are one of my very favorite cocktails. Maybe because they’re served in those gorgeous traditional silver cups. Also because they’re so refreshing! And these cupcakes taste just like the cocktail! With Brown Sugar Bourbon 103 in the cupcakes, brushed on top AND in the frosting, this is a boozy dessert that you can bet on!

mint julep cupcakes recipe

I’ve never attended the Kentucky Derby, but it’s definitely on my must-do list! Especially so I have an excuse to wear a big hat, let’s be honest. But my friends and I have talked a ton about hosting an annual Kentucky Derby party of our own! Big hats required, naturally. I know that these mint julep cupcakes would be a spot-on dessert for the party, and seriously can’t wait!

kentucky derby party dessert

For these deliciously boozy cupcakes, I used Brown Sugar Bourbon 103. This bourbon is the bolder, stronger version of Heritage Distilling Company’s Brown Sugar Bourbon, and it was perfect for a dessert where I wanted the bourbon to be a big, prominent flavor. These cupcakes are based off of a mixed drink, after all!

easy mint julep cupcakes

These mint julep cupcakes have bourbon both in the cupcake and in the frosting! My goal was to have bourbon flavor in every bite, whether you were taking a first bite of frosting or enjoying the crumbs of the cupcake. And when you get a bite of both of them together? Especially amazing!

easy mint julep cupcakes

Aren’t these so pretty garnished with fresh mint? They’re so simply elegant, and I could totally see them served as a minimalist and delicious bridal shower dessert! Next time I make these easy mint julep cupcakes, I’m totally using silver cupcake liners to mimic the traditional silver mint julep cups too. Won’t that be the cutest?

mint julep cupcake with fresh mint
 

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Easy Mint Julep Cupcakes

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  • Author: Kirsten Bell
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 Cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Cupcakes
  • Method: Baking

Description

Boozy mint julep cupcakes, perfect for Kentucky Derby parties and summer parties!


Ingredients

Scale

Vanilla Bourbon Cupcake Ingredients: 

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Bourbon 103
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup yogurt

Bourbon Mint Frosting Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons mint extract
2 teaspoons Brown Sugar Bourbon 103
Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)


Instructions

Cupcake Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 350, and line a cupcake tin with liners.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter until light and fluffy. Add the sugar, and mix on high speed until the mixture is pale yellow and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, Brown Sugar Bourbon 103, vanilla extract, buttermilk and yogurt. Mix until combined.

Add the dry ingredients in two batches to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula, and do any final mixing by hand.

Distribute the batter between the lined cupcake tin. Bake for 14-17 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before frosting.

 

Bourbon Mint Frosting Directions: 

When the cupcakes have cooled to room temperature, use a pastry brush and brush Brown Sugar Bourbon 103 onto the top of each cupcake for an extra boozy treat! Then top with the Bourbon Mint Frosting. These are boozy cupcakes, after all!

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter on high speed until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beginning on low speed and increasing to high as it’s incorporated. Add the mint extract and BSB 103, and mix on high speed for 3-5 minutes. If the frosting is too thin, add some more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, you can add some heavy cream (or some extra bourbon, if you’re like me!).

Frost the cupcakes, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.


Some More Boozy Recipes You May Like: 

Thank you to Heritage Distilling Co. for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Tasia ~ twosugarbugs | 31st Aug 19

    The cupcakes sound incredible Kirsten! And bourbon mint frosting?? I think I'm in love!

  2. Liz | 1st May 21

    When do you add the vanilla?

    • Kirsten Bell | 1st May 21

      Thanks for pointing that out! I updated the recipe, but you will add the vanilla with the other wet ingredients – buttermilk, etc.

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