If you want a taste of Mint Julep without alcohol, I've got you covered. This super-easy drink is perfect for Derby Day and great for those people in your family who are not drinkers. For more inspiration, check out these Easy Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes.
I have been a Kentucky girl my entire life, and you know what? This girl has never been to the Kentucky Derby. I have driven past the tracks many times in my adult life, but I have never really been and watched the horse races.
Finding out all about racehorses on my trip to Georgetown, fueled my curiosity about all things Kentucky Derby. One of the drinks of choice is a Mint Julep, which is normally served full of alcohol.
Since I am not a drinker and alcohol is not my thing, Kayla and I decided to whip up our version that has the same taste, minus the alcohol. The best part? It's one of the easiest drinks we have ever made.
How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Kentucky Derby Drink
To make this recipe, you only need a few things --
- lemons
- limes
- fresh ginger
- mint leaves
- 1/12 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water
- Sprite Zero
Start by making the base of your Mint Julep. It starts with the juice of 3 fresh lemons, 2 fresh limes, 1 tablespoon of chopped mint leaves, and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger (or you can find a tube of ginger paste -- 1 tbsp-- at ALDI and it works too).
In a large bowl, combine the water, sugar, lemon juice, lime juice, ginger, and mint. Let stand for at least 45 minutes.
Once it sets for 45 minutes, set up your glasses and fill them with ice. Normally, these are served in tin cups, but I found these amazing beer-style glasses on Amazon, and I knew they would be perfect for our summer drinks this year.
Strain your liquid to remove any mint leaves.
To each glass, fill half full with Mint Julep mixture and then top with Sprite or Sprite Zero.
Then, top off with fresh mint and fresh lime wedges. Right before you drink it, squeeze the lime right into your glass and drink. It is seriously one of the most refreshing drinks that my daughter and I have made.
That's it! Now you are ready to party in style at the Kentucky Derby. Be sure and grab your best Fascinator and root on your favorite horse this year.
Mint Julep - a Non-Alcoholic Version Perfect for Derby Day
This is the perfect version of Mint Julep that is non-alcoholic for those who don't like to drink adult beverages.
Ingredients
- 3 lemons, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of chopped mint leaves
- 2 cups of water
- 1 ½ cups of sugar
- 2-liter of Sprite or Sprite Zero
- ice
- glasses
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon and lime juice with ginger, mint, and water and sugar. Mix together and cover. Let it sit out for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, strain.
- When ready to make the drinks, fill glasses with ice. Pour equal amounts of Mint Julep mix and Sprite Zero in a glass.
- Top with fresh mint leaves and lime wedges.
Notes
You can use Ginger Ale in place of the Sprite.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
13Serving Size:
1 glassAmount Per Serving: Calories: 164Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 21mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 1gSugar: 40gProtein: 0g
That sounds absolutely delicious! I'm on a medication that I'm not allowed to drink with (not that I drink very often anyway), but I would love to whip some up for my husband and I.
Awww yeah! I am totally making one of these (or 3). What a yummy drink!
Mint julep is such a classic cocktail down here in Georgia. I love this virgin version.
This looks like such an awesome summer drink! I'll have to plan on this for our next outdoor gathering.
I'm all about the non-alcoholic drinks! Definitely have to make this one very soon. Sounds delicious!
Sounds like a refreshing drink! I would try it!
I was married on derby day. I need to celebrate my big day with this drink
I have never had a mint julep and I don't really drink alcohol now. It sounds so refreshing. I have to try this.
What a refreshing recipe! I wish I were sitting on a porch somewhere sipping this drink.
I'm not a big fan of alcoholic drinks. I prefer the virgin ones myself. This sounds really tasty!
I like all these non alcoholic beverages that I have been seeing lately. They are perfect for the coming summer. Great to have while relaxing on the patio.
First I love that the cup is like a clear glass shaped like soda can. I would love to try this non alcoholic version of a mint julep.
I love non alcohol drinks! They are so perfect for the relaxing day!
I would SO love to drink one of these on a hot day. <Looks so good!
Can you make a big pitcher of this? I'm looking for a recipe for a shower.
Yes. Instead of pouring into a glass as the recipe suggests, I would just add the mixture and the 2 liter of Sprite to a pitcher. Just make sure it is equal amounts until the pitcher is full.