Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic36% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatemuddled drink
Why: 3 ingredients, muddled drink, requires muddler
Best for: BBQ, Chocolate, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseSweetenerGarnish
- 2 ozBourbonBase
- 1/2 ozRaspberry SyrupSweetener
- 8MintGarnish
Tools:muddler
How to Make It
StirMuddleTop
- Softly muddle the mint leaves and raspberry syrup in the bottom of the cup.MuddleMuddling releases oils, juice or aroma without needing a blender.
- Add crushed ice and Bourbon to the cup and then stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Top with more ice, garnish with a mint sprig.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.HerbsMint is cool and fresh. Basil is a workable swap in spirit-forward or citrus drinks — it is peppery and sweeter, so use slightly less. Rosemary works in shorter, more spirit-led drinks but it is much more resinous. Always bruise rather than shred to avoid releasing bitter compounds.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Raspberry Julep?
- The Raspberry Julep is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cordial Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 36.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 192 calories.
- What does a Raspberry Julep taste like?
- Raspberry Julep has a flavour profile featuring Raspberry, Sweet, Caramel, Oak. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Raspberry Julep?
- Raspberry Julep pairs well with BBQ, Chocolate, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Raspberry Julep?
- The Raspberry Julep has an ABV of approximately 36.0%. That's approximately 1.50 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 192 calories, 10.4g sugar, 11.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Raspberry Julep typically served?
- Raspberry Julep is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Raspberry Julep?
- If you enjoy Raspberry Julep, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Raspberry Julep at home?
- Yes. The Raspberry Julep uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Cordial Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Raspberry Julep with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.

