While exotic liqueurs and rare bitters often steal the spotlight, there's one humble herb that consistently delivers a burst of freshness and aromatic complexity to a myriad of cocktails: mint! Fresh, aromatic, and undeniably cool—mint is one of those ingredients that earns its place in any serious (or not-so-serious) home bar. When it comes to cocktail herbs, mint reigns supreme. It’s aromatic, refreshing, easy to grow, and instantly elevates the simplest drink into something vibrant and cooling. Whether you’re muddling it into a Mojito, slapping it for a Southside, or simply dropping a sprig into a julep, mint brings brightness, complexity, and a touch of elegance to cocktails. From classic Southern sippers to crisp cucumber coolers, here are 10 mint-forward cocktails you’ll want to try ASAP—each crafted with care using New Deal spirits and a whole lot of fresh flavor.
Why Mint Works Well in Cocktails
Mint has been prized for centuries for its cooling properties and intoxicating aroma. In cocktails, it really hit its stride in the early 1800s with the rise of the Mint Julep—a refreshing bourbon drink served in a frosty silver cup and sipped on Southern porches during sweltering summers. Since then, mint has become a go-to garnish and key flavor component in countless classic and modern cocktails.
At its core, mint is refreshing. Its high menthol content interacts with the receptors in your mouth and nose, creating a literal cooling sensation. That’s why it pairs beautifully with everything from citrus and berries to spirits like rum, gin, and bourbon. It lifts and brightens the flavors in a drink without overpowering them, so long as you treat it right.
Tips for Using Mint Like a Pro
Before we get to the recipes, let's talk about technique. The key to maximizing mint's flavor is understanding how to release its essential oils without bruising it into a bitter pulp.
1. Don’t Over-Muddle.
Mint should be gently muddled, not mashed into oblivion. Crushing the leaves too aggressively releases bitter chlorophyll. A gentle press with a muddler or even the back of a spoon is enough to express it's essential oils.
2. Use the Slap Technique.
If you’re using mint as a garnish, give it a quick slap between your palms before dropping it into the drink. It might look a little dramatic, but it wakes up the mint and releases the aroma—your nose will thank you before your taste buds do.
3. Keep It Fresh.
Mint wilts fast, so store it in a glass of water in the fridge, like a bouquet, and loosely cover it with a produce bag. When it's time to make drinks, pluck only what you need and keep the rest happy and hydrated.
Fruity & Fresh
The Mojito, of course, is a quintessential mint cocktail, and for good reason. Arguably one of the most refreshing drinks on the planet, the Mojito combines Distiller's Cut Rum with lime juice, simple syrup, soda water, and plenty of muddled mint. It’s summer in a glass, and it’s endlessly riffable--which brings us to the Strawberry Mojito.
If you're partial to strawberries and vibrantly colored drinks, level up your Mojito by adding strawberry syrup to the beloved rum-based classic. This fruit-forward version takes everything you love about the original and gives it a juicy Oregon berry boost. Think patio parties, barbecues, or just Tuesday night.
Mint also plays incredibly well with fruit, adding a layer of brightness that elevates fruity concoctions. The Heat Exchange offers the classic combination of watermelon and mint, creating an ultra-refreshing patio pounder that blends Portland 90 Vodka and Blanc vermouth with lime juice, simple syrup, and muddled watermelon and mint. Top it off with a splash of bubbly water, and you've got the ultimate poolside sipper.
Juleps: Classics & Variations
When one thinks of mint cocktails, the Julep family immediately comes to mind. Perhaps you're a whiskey fan? If that’s the case, here is a gentle reminder that it doesn’t have to be Derby Day to enjoy a Mint Julep! A Southern icon, the Mint Julep features Distiller's Reserve Bourbon, simple syrup, and a generous amount of muddled mint, all built over crushed ice. It’s a boozy yet surprisingly refreshing drink, perfect for warm weather.
While the classic Mint Julep holds a special place, there are delightful variations to explore. For those who prefer a different base spirit, the Brandy Julep offers a rich and nuanced alternative. This velvety spin on the original swaps out whiskey for New Deal’s barrel-aged Oregon Brandy. The result is smoother and fruitier, making this a perfect late-summer sunset sipper, that highlights brandy's character while still delivering that signature minty kick.
Gin's Green Companions
Gin and mint are a match made in heaven, their botanical notes intertwining beautifully. A prohibition-era favorite, the Southside--like a gin-based mojito with a little more backbone--is certainly worthy of a spot in your cocktail repertoire. This elegant cocktail simply combines Portland Dry Gin 33, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves. Shaken and double-strained into a chilled coupe, it's a testament to how simple ingredients, when balanced perfectly, can create a truly exceptional drink.
As the summer temps climb, we think you might like a drink that has the cooling properties of both mint and cucumber. The Cucumber Mint Gimlet, with its crisp, cool profile, is pure refreshment and could very well be your new favorite summer drink. It’s perfect for a warm day, and the cucumber ribbons and mint sprig garnish make it visually appealing as well. Think of it as the spa day of cocktails—ideal for winding down after a long, hot day.
Want to double down on the mint? Try the Mint To Be, which features fresh mint as well as crisp, refreshing mint iced tea from Steven Smith Teamaker. The combination of Portland Dry Gin 33 with mint iced tea, lime juice, simple syrup, and a generous helping of muddled mint results in a vibrant and exquisitely cooling cocktail that's sure to cool you down when the temperatures rise. Topped with soda water, it's a sophisticated and deeply refreshing long drink.
Sprightly and Light
If you're a fan of tea-based cocktails, the Peppermint Twist is another must-try. This intriguing cocktail marries Portland 90 Vodka with lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint iced tea, brightened with a muddled raspberry. It's a testament to how mint can bridge unexpected flavors, creating a harmonious and invigorating experience.
For those seeking a refreshing, low-ABV option, the Hugo Spritz is our take on a lesser-known yet absolutely delightful European aperitivo, typically featuring Elderflower Liqueur. Our riff consists of chilled prosecco, bubbly water, plenty of mint, and our house-made Elder Flower Cocktail Syrup. It’s an aromatic blend of lychee, elder flower, pear, and rose that makes the perfect non-alcoholic substitute for St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur. It's light, floral, and utterly delightful for a sunny afternoon sipper.
Mint Condition Cocktails
As you can see, mint is far more than just a garnish. It's a powerhouse ingredient that brings freshness, aroma, and complexity to an incredible range of cocktails. From the bright and effervescent to the rich and contemplative, mint proves its versatility time and again.
Whether you’re whipping up mojitos for a backyard bash or treating yourself to a Southside on the couch, mint is one of those cocktail ingredients that always feels right. It's versatile, easy to grow, and plays well with a wide range of spirits.
So next time you're at the New Deal Bottle Shop, grab a bottle or two—and don’t forget to pick up a fresh bunch of mint on the way home. Let the muddling begin! 🌿