Light and refreshing, this delicious non alcoholic mint julep is perfect for the Kentucky Derby or to sip on a warm Spring day.

this recipe

Nothing says Kentucky Derby like a mint julep. Whether you follow the race or not, this refreshing drink is perfect anytime.

Fresh mint and ginger ale combine to create the signature taste, with the option to use non-alcoholic bourbon for added depth of flavor. Best of all, unlike its alcoholic cousin, a julep mocktail comes with all the fun and none of the regret.

Why This Recipe Works

Pull out your pretty glasses because this refreshing drink is:

• Perfect for a party: pull out the pitchers and gather some friends because this virgin mint julep is perfect for sharing. Simply premix the mint simple syrup and ginger ale (or alcohol-free bourbon) in a pitcher and ensure guests fill their glasses with plenty of ice.

• Health(ier): a traditional simple syrup is a 1:1:1 ratio of sugar, water, and mint. This recipe halves the sugar and utilizes the sweetness of the ginger ale to perfectly balance the mint. For an even lower sugar option, use diet ginger ale.

• Can be made in advance: when stored in an airtight container in the fridge, flavored simple syrup lasts around two weeks. Make in advance, so you’re all set for derby day!

Why do they Drink Mint Juleps at The Kentucky Derby?

Whether you’re watching from home or enjoying the race from Churchill Downs, you might find yourself sipping on a mint julep. But why?

Mint juleps have been a Kentucky favorite well before the modern-day Kentucky Derby came into place. Interestingly, a julep was traditionally a medicinal drink prescribed for stomach upsets. 

The modern mint julep originated in Virginia, where it was known as a ‘Virginia dram’. As  settlement moved west, so did the drink. The julep became the ‘official’ drink of the Derby in the 1930, ’s but stories suggest that it was being served much earlier.

It’s believed that Churchill Downs planted mint outside of the clubhouse to make the first juleps in 1875. The drink was popular in the South during that period, so it was a natural extension of the culture at the time to make it a part of the Derby.

The classic Kentucky mint julep is a mix of simple syrup, mint, and bourbon whiskey. With many people choosing not to drink or preferring an alcohol-free option, a mint julep mocktail is a great solution. There are also several alcoholic variations to the classic, including one that uses crème de menthe syrup.

Ingredients

A delicious mint julep mocktail is well worth the wait. It’s a perfect spring mocktail as the weather warms and entertaining comes to mind.

• Fresh mint leaves: cool, refreshing mint is the signature flavor of this julep. Select a bunch from the grocery store or pick fresh from the garden. Mint is packed with Vitamins A and K, so it’s healthy and tastes good.

Hint: make the most of the mint by using the leaves and stalks to flavor your simple syrup. It’s strained before serving, so no one will ever know.

• Caster sugar: the fine white grains of caster sugar are ideal for simple syrup as they dissolve quickly. I’ve reduced the usual quantity of sugar in half for this recipe, as ginger ale offers some sweetness. So, whilst this recipe is not strictly low in sugar, it contains less sugar than many other mint julep mocktail options.

• Ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon: if mint were to have a best friend, it would probably be ginger ale. Spicy and sweet ginger ale perfectly balances the freshness of the mint. For a lower sugar option, choose diet or sugar-free ginger ale.

If you’re a traditionalist, you may argue that mint juleps must contain bourbon! Luckily there are many alcohol-free spirit options available. I used Lyre’s American Malt and it was divine! Choose a malt style alcohol-free spirit for the most authentic flavor.

• Crushed ice: I wouldn’t usually include ice as an ingredient, but you cannot make a mint julep mocktail without it. Crushed ice (not cubed) is essential for keeping your julep at the perfect temperature.  Hint: use a blender to make crushed ice. Alternatively, place cubes in a sealed bag and hit them with a rolling pin or hammer until they have broken into tiny shards.

Equipment You'll Need

There’s a little prep involved to make this recipe. But I promise you the steps are simple and just a few everyday kitchen tools are required. You’ll need a:

• Saucepan: a medium-sized saucepan is perfect for making simple syrup. It doesn’t matter if it’s non-stick or regular. Either way, your syrup will be cooked to perfection.

• Metal strainer: a mint julep mocktail has a smooth texture, so use a metal strainer to remove any pieces of mint from the syrup. The result is a clear, simple syrup with a gorgeous hint of green. Ensure you strain once the liquid has cooled to avoid the risk of burns.

• Wooden spoon: a long-handled spoon is perfect for stirring the sugar syrup mix as it begins to dissolve. A wooden or plastic spoon works, so use what you have available.

• Julep cup or tall glass: a traditional julep cup is made from stainless steel or copper. It has a flared base and is designed to keep your drink chilled for longer, similar to the mugs used for a non-alcoholic Moscow mule. The mint julep mocktail is more commonly served in a highball glass, so you're not alone if you’ve never heard of a julep cup!

• Pitcher: entertaining a crowd? A pretty pitcher is perfect for serving an alcohol-free mint julep. Simply combine the syrup and ale (or non-alcoholic spirit) in a pitcher. Have guests fill their glasses with ice as they help themselves.

How To Make An Alcohol-free Mint julep

There are two ways to make a mint julep mocktail. One method includes making a mint syrup, while the other utilises fresh mint.

For the mint syrup version:

Fill your cups with crushed ice. Add ½ cup of ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon to each cup, then ¼ cup of mint syrup (see recipe card below for a simple mint syrup).

Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.

For the fresh mint version:

1. Clap mint together in your hands, then add it to your glass.
2. Add sugar cubes or sugar to your glass (you could also use a sugar syrup here, but I prefer regular sugar).

3. Muddle the mint gently, until the oils are released from the mint. Don't go overboard - a few gentle presses is fine.

4. Fill your glass with crushed ice.

5. Fill your glass with ginger ale (or non-alcoholic bourbon). Stir gently.

6. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Frequently asked questions

If you love the tingle of fresh mint, then these mint mocktail recipes are for you:

• The best virgin mojito recipe
• Moscow mule mocktail
• Raspberry mocktail

I hope you love this delicious mint julep mocktail as much as I do!

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