Mint Julep Mocktail

brown drink in tall glass with mint at the bottom, with a mint sprig on top and a white background

Print Recipe

5 from 14 votes

A fresh mint julep mocktail that’s perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby or just because.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 57kcal

Author: Nat

Ingredients

For the mint syrup (see Note 1 below if you want to skip the syrup and make it with fresh mint instead)

1 cup water
½ cup sugar
1 cup mint

For the julep mocktail

1 cup ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon
Crushed ice
Mint sprigs to garnish (optional)

Instructions

To make the mint syrup, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add mint and increase the heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low, replace the lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and leave covered until the mixture cools (the longer you leave it, the stronger the mint flavor will be).
Leave to cool, then strain.
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 note 2)
Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.

Video

Notes

Note 1: if you'd prefer a quick recipe and don't want to wait for the simple syrup to cool, try this version with fresh mint:

Makes 1

8 mint leaves

1-2 teaspoons sugar (or sugar cubes)

½ cup ginger ale

Muddle mint and sugar in the bottom of your glass, just enough to release the scent and oils from the mint.

Fill your glass with crushed ice. Top with your choice of ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon.

Stir gently, garnish with mint and serve.

Note 2: if the ratio of ½ cup ginger ale and ¼ cup syrup is too sweet, you can adjust it to ¾ cup ginger ale and 1 tablespoon mint syrup.

Note 3: Traditionally, mint juleps are made with bourbon.

Although it is delicious with ginger ale, if you're looking for a more authentic experience, find a non-alcoholic bourbon in your area (most likely online!).

I tested this recipe with Lyre's American Malt in place of the ginger ale and it was delicious.

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