10 best mint cocktail recipes

1. Mint julep

If you want the mint flavour to shine in your cocktail, then our classic mint julep recipe using just three ingredients should do the trick. Bourbon, plenty of fresh mint and a touch of sugar syrup to sweeten are muddled together to release the mint oils and aroma. Serve over plenty of crushed ice for a strong yet refreshing cocktail.

2. Mojito

Perhaps the most famous mint cocktail is the mojito - a classic blend of lime, mint, sugar and rum, topped up with soda water. If serving a crowd, try our mojito pitcher recipe that serves six and can easily be scaled up. Once you've mastered the classic, we've got plenty of fruity twists on the basic mojito: try our recipes using strawberries, raspberries, grapefruit or tropical mango and pineapple.

3. Moscow mule

A spring of mint is usually a finishing touch garnishing a Moscow mule rather than crushed into the cocktail itself, but it is still a crucial ingredient – you won't find a Moscow mule without it! The fresh mint and squeeze of lime to finish lift the vodka and ginger beer inside, commonly served in a hammered copper cup.

4. Hugo cocktail

A refreshing, elegant Hugo cocktail is made for sipping in the English sunshine. Fragrant elderflower cordial joins mint, prosecco and soda water for a simple summer spritz.

5. Summer cup mocktail

If you're a fan of Pimms but are steering clear of alcohol, try this summer cup mocktail recipe instead. It's loaded with cucumber, mint and fresh berries just like Pimms but also uses these ingredients to make an alcohol-free fruity syrup that forms the base of the cocktail, topped up with lemonade.

6. Cucumber, mint & melon punch

Make your own cucumber and mint-infused vodka with this punch – you can do this for just 24 hours or up to a week for maximum flavour. Top up with sugar, lime juice, melon balls and sparkling water for a refreshing punch that easily serves 12 people. Also, discover our vodka cucumber lemonade recipe.

7. Grasshopper cocktail

Mint flavour doesn't just have to come from fresh herbs. A grasshopper cocktail gets its vibrant green hue from creme de menthe, a mint liqueur. Cream and white chocolate liqueur join this rich, sweet cocktail that is great for serving at Halloween due to its vivid colour.

8. Caipirinhas with pineapple

A Caiprinha is a traditional Brazilian cocktail usually made with limes, but this recipe gives it a tropical twist with fresh pineapple. The base alcohol is cahaça (you could also use light rum), mixed with muddled fresh pineapple, lime juice and mint.

9. Gin-free G&T

Fresh mint is so full of flavour it can do more than sit on the edge of a glass. If you are avoiding alcohol, have a go at making your own homemade gin alternative in this gin-free G&T recipe. A combination of ingredients including mint, cardamom, cloves, rosemary, tea and more makes a complex liquid that aims to mirror the aromatics of gin. Add tonic, ice, a few more leaves and you're ready to serve!

10. Mezcal & verdita

If you've made all the classics and want to try something new, serve up this unusual mezcal & verdita at your next drinks hour. It's a combination often found on the menu in mezcal or tequila bars: serving up a shot of mezcal alongside a shot of verdita, a vibrant blended mixture of pineapple juice, lime, mint, coriander and fiery jalapeños.

More cocktail inspiration

Summer cocktail recipes
Vodka cocktail recipes
Retro cocktail recipes
Best ever frozen cocktail recipes
Best pink gin cocktail recipes
Best tequila cocktails
10 gin cocktails you can make in minutes