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Mint Julep – a Non-Alcoholic Version Perfect for Derby Day

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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.

Mint Julep - a Non-Alcoholic Version Perfect for Derby Day

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, KY really 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 own 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

How to Make a Non Alcoholic Mint Julep

So — according to Wikipedia — a Mint Julep is

The mint julep is a mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, consisting primarily of bourbon, sugar, water, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint. As a bourbon-based cocktail, it is associated with the American South and the cuisine of the Southern United States in general, and the Kentucky Derby in particular.

To make this recipe you really only need a few things — 

  • lemons
  • limes
  • fresh ginger
  • mint leaves
  •  1/12 cups sugar and  2 cups water
  • Sprite Zero

You are going to 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, 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.

How to Make Mint Julep

Once it sets for 45 minutes, set up your glasses and fill 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.

How to Make Mint Julep

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.

Yield: 13 glasses

Mint Julep - a Non-Alcoholic Version Perfect for Derby Day

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 1/2 cups of sugar
  • 2-liter of Sprite or Sprite Zero
  • ice
  • glasses

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. After 45 minutes, strain.
  3. When ready to make the drinks, fill glasses with ice. Pour equal amounts of Mint Julep mix and Sprite Zero in a glass.
  4. Top with fresh mint leaves and lime wedges.

Notes

You can use Ginger Ale in place of the Sprite.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

13

Serving Size:

1 glass

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 164Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 21mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 1gSugar: 40gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

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Mary

Sunday 5th of November 2023

Can you make a big pitcher of this? I'm looking for a recipe for a shower.

Jennifer Sikora

Monday 6th of November 2023

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.

krystal

Monday 6th of May 2019

I would SO love to drink one of these on a hot day. <Looks so good!

Catalina

Monday 6th of May 2019

I love non alcohol drinks! They are so perfect for the relaxing day!

Kiwi

Monday 6th of May 2019

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.

Annemarie LeBlanc

Sunday 5th of May 2019

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.

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