The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that is believed to have originated in the southern United States in the 18th century. Traditionally, the mint julep recipe calls for bourbon, mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice. For this non-alcoholic mint julep mocktail, we simply omit the bourbon and replace it with ginger ale to enjoy a non-alcoholic version of the drink.
About This Recipe
The classic mint julep is a cocktail that combines bourbon, simple syrup, crushed ice, and fresh mint. A refreshing and slushy-like drink that is rooted in the Southern United States and has a historical association with the Kentucky Derby. It became associated with the Derby in the early 20th century when it was promoted as the official drink of the race. Traditionally it is served in silver or pewter cups to maintain the drink’s cool temperature for a longer period. In recent years, over 120,000 Mint Juleps were served during the two-day Kentucky Derby weekend!
It’s really easy to adapt this drink into a non-alcoholic version by replacing the bourbon with ginger ale. It comes together in less than 15 minutes and has only 5 ingredients.
Why You Will Love Non-alcoholic Mint Julep
- Simple preparation and ingredients: The recipe for a mint julep mocktail is relatively simple to make. All you need is 5 ingredients and a bit of time!
- Refreshing: This mocktail is so refreshing. The combination of mint syrup and ginger ale creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Non-alcoholic: The mint julep mocktail is a perfect option for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.
What You Need to Make Virgin Mint Julep
- Mint leaves: Mint leaves are commonly used as a flavoring or garnish in various drink recipes due to their cooling and refreshing nature.
- Granulated sugar: Use granulated sugar to make simple mint syrup. Simple mint syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that is heated until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a sweet minty syrup.
- Ginger ale: Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink that is flavored with ginger. It has a sunny yellow color with a sweet and slightly spicy taste.
- Crushed ice: The classic mint julep recipe typically calls for crushed ice. The crushed ice helps to keep the drink ice cold and refreshing.
How to Make Mint Julep Mocktail
- Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly.
- In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the mint leaves to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the syrup is slightly cooked and thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Once the syrup has cooled, strain it through a fine mesh strainer.
- Cool syrup to room temperature. Transfer the mint syrup into a clean glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.
- Fill a silver cup or glass cup with crushed ice. Add 2-3 tablespoons of mint simple syrup to each cup. You can adjust the “minty-ness” of the drink to your preference.
- Pour 2/3 cup of ginger ale into each cup. Using a bar spoon, give a quick and gentle stir. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint
Variations
- Berry Mint Julep: A Berry Mint Julep is a delicious twist on the classic mint julep. It typically includes berry syrup or fresh berries (such as raspberries, or blueberries), mint leaves, simple syrup or sugar, crushed ice, and ginger ale.
- Pineapple Mint Julep Mocktail: The pineapple mint julep mocktail is a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that combines the classic flavors of mint julep with the tropical goodness of pineapple.
- Lemon Mint Julep Mocktail: You can substitute ginger ale with lemonade or lemon-lime soda for a citrusy kick.
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between a Mojito and Mint Julep?
Mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail made with white rum, lime juice, sugar or simple syrup, mint leaves, and sparkling water. It’s usually served in a highball glass and garnished with mint sprigs and lime wedges. On the other hand, mint Julep is a classic American cocktail made with bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar or simple syrup, and crushed ice.
What Kind of Mint Should I Use for a Mint Julep?
The most commonly used mint variety for a mint julep is spearmint. Spearmint has a pleasantly sweet taste and a strong minty aroma.
How Should I Serve a Mint Julep Mocktail?
Mint juleps are typically served in a metal cup, such as a silver or pewter cup, to keep the drink ice cold.
What Does a Non-alcoholic Mint Julep Taste Like?
A non-alcoholic mint julep tastes incredibly sweet, refreshing, and minty. The mint leaves give a nice fresh flavor, while the sweetness from sugar or simple syrup will balance beautifully with the taste of mint.
Do You Need Crushed Ice for Mint Julep?
Crushed ice is best for a mint julep, but ice cubes will work too. The crushed ice gives a refreshing icy and slushy-like texture to the drink and will help it to chill quickly and evenly.
Did you like the non-alcoholic mint julep mocktail recipe? Try my cherry Mojito mocktail recipe as well! Leave your comment below and If you make this recipe, be sure to tag your photos #yummynotes 
Looking For More Refreshing Drink Recipes?
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Ingredients
- 2/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups ginger ale
- Crushed ice
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step 2
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the mint leaves to the saucepan.
Step 3
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the syrup is slightly cooked and thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Once the syrup has cooled, strain it through a fine mesh strainer.
Step 4
Cool syrup to room temperature. Transfer the mint syrup into a clean glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.
Step 5
Fill a silver cup or glass cup with crushed ice. Add 2-3 tablespoons of mint simple syrup to each cup. You can adjust the "minty-ness" of the drink to your preference.
Step 6
Pour 2/3 cup of ginger ale into each cup. Using a bar spoon, give a quick and gentle stir. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
