Mint Julep Recipe Mocktail
Love the vibe of a Kentucky Derby cocktail but skipping the bourbon? This mint julep recipe mocktail is your new best friend — all the minty, icy, Southern charm with zero alcohol.
I made this for a Derby watch party last year, and honestly? Half the guests couldn’t believe there was no bourbon in it. That’s a win in my book.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Mocktail So Good
This isn’t just a watered-down lemonade with a mint leaf thrown in. We’re making a proper homemade mint syrup from scratch, which is the real secret weapon here.
The result is a bold, sweet, herbaceous drink loaded over crushed ice — cool, refreshing, and seriously sippable. It’s a mint julep without alcohol that actually tastes like the real deal.
Ingredients
| Group | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Syrup | Water | 1 cup |
| Mint Syrup | Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Mint Syrup | Fresh mint leaves | 1 cup |
| Julep Mocktail | Ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon | 1 cup |
| Julep Mocktail | Crushed ice | As needed |
| Garnish (optional) | Fresh mint sprigs | A few sprigs |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Mint Syrup
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir it as it heats up until every last grain of sugar dissolves — this only takes a couple of minutes.
Add your fresh mint leaves and bring the whole thing to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely incredible right about now.
Step 2: Steep and Strain
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Then remove it from the heat and let the mint steep for at least 20 minutes — the longer, the mintier.
“Don’t rush the steeping. That extra time is what gives the syrup its deep, vibrant mint flavor.”
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to fish out all the mint leaves. Let it cool completely before using. You can pop it in the fridge to speed things up.
Step 3: Build Your Mocktail
Fill your serving cups generously with crushed ice — and I mean really pack it in there. That icy chill is part of what makes this bourbon-free mint julep so satisfying.
Pour in your ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon, then add mint syrup to taste. Start with a couple of tablespoons and adjust from there — this is your drink, make it yours.
Step 4: Stir, Garnish, Serve
Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Tuck in a few fresh mint sprigs as garnish — they’re not just pretty, they add a little aromatic burst with every sip.
Serve immediately while it’s ice cold. This is not a “make it and wait” kind of drink — enjoy it right away for maximum refreshment.
Expert Tips for the Best Mint Julep Mocktail
Use Fresh Mint — Always
Dried mint just won’t cut it here. You need fresh, vibrant mint leaves for both the syrup and the garnish. Look for bright green leaves with no wilting or browning at the edges.
Crush Your Own Ice
If you have a blender or a Lewis bag and mallet, crush your own ice. It melts a little faster but creates that signature frosty, julep-cup effect. Plus it just looks way more impressive.
Ginger Ale vs. Non-Alcoholic Bourbon
Ginger ale gives you a sweet, slightly spicy fizz that plays beautifully with the mint. Non-alcoholic bourbon (brands like Lyre’s work great) gives a smokier, more complex flavor.
Both are delicious — it really comes down to what kind of party you’re throwing. Derby watch party? Go for the non-alcoholic bourbon for full Kentucky Derby mocktail vibes.
Make the Syrup Ahead
The mint syrup keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks in a sealed jar. Make a big batch ahead of time and you can whip up this mint julep recipe mocktail in about 60 seconds flat.
Variations to Try
Sparkling Lemonade Version
Swap the ginger ale for sparkling lemonade and add a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s a little more tart and citrusy — perfect for summer afternoons on the porch.
Peach Mint Julep Mocktail
Add a splash of peach juice or peach nectar to your glass before building the drink. It pairs so well with the mint and leans into those Southern, warm-weather flavors.
This also makes a gorgeous layered drink if you pour the peach juice in first, then add the ice and ginger ale slowly. Definitely a crowd-pleaser at brunch — try pairing it alongside a fresh strawberry spinach salad with poppyseed dressing for a light, vibrant spread.
Herbal Twist
Add a sprig of fresh basil or rosemary to the syrup while it steeps. It sounds fancy but it’s incredibly easy and adds a really interesting depth of flavor to your mint julep without alcohol.
Troubleshooting
Syrup Is Too Sweet
Reduce the amount of syrup you add to the drink, or dilute the syrup itself by adding a little extra water when making it. You can also balance the sweetness with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in the glass.
Mint Flavor Is Too Weak
Let the mint steep longer — up to 30 or even 45 minutes if needed. You can also gently press the mint leaves against the strainer while straining to squeeze out more flavor.
Drink Gets Watery Too Fast
Pack more ice in, or use larger ice chunks. The crushed ice is traditional, but if you find it dilutes your drink too fast, a mix of crushed and regular cubed ice helps it last longer.
Storage Instructions
| Item | Storage Method | How Long |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Syrup | Airtight jar in the fridge | Up to 2 weeks |
| Assembled mocktail | Not recommended — best fresh | Drink immediately |
| Ginger ale (open bottle) | Sealed in fridge | 2–3 days |
No-Waste Kitchen Ideas
Leftover mint syrup is a total kitchen gem. Stir it into iced tea, drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, or use it to sweeten a homemade lemonade. It’s also great mixed into yogurt or overnight oats — like these chocolate peanut butter banana overnight oats for a fun minty-chocolate twist.
Leftover fresh mint? Toss it into a green salad, muddle it into sparkling water, or dry it out and store it in a jar for future use.
Reheating Instructions
No reheating needed for the assembled drink — it’s always served cold. If your mint syrup has thickened in the fridge, just warm it gently in a small saucepan over low heat with a splash of water and stir until it loosens back up.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~110 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~28g |
| Sugar | ~26g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | ~15mg |
Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this mint julep recipe mocktail ahead of time for a party?
Yes — make a big batch of the mint syrup up to two weeks ahead and keep it in the fridge. When guests arrive, just set up a little drink station with crushed ice, ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon, and the syrup so everyone can pour their own. It takes about two minutes per glass and feels very fancy.
What’s the best non-alcoholic bourbon to use for a Kentucky Derby mocktail?
Lyre’s American Malt is a popular choice and mimics the smoky, vanilla notes of real bourbon pretty well. Monday Whiskey is another good option. If you can’t find any, ginger beer (not ale) is a slightly more robust substitute with a nice spicy kick.
How do I make this mint julep without alcohol sweeter or less sweet?
Just adjust the amount of mint syrup you pour in. Start with one tablespoon, taste, and add more from there. You can also make a lighter syrup by using less sugar when you cook it — a 1:1 water-to-sugar ratio instead of the standard 2:1 will give you something a bit more subtle.
Can kids drink this mocktail?
Absolutely — that’s one of the best things about a bourbon-free mint julep. It’s completely alcohol-free and totally kid-friendly. The mint flavor is fairly strong, so younger kids might prefer a lighter pour of syrup, but teens and adults tend to love it as-is.
What can I serve alongside this drink?
Light bites work best. Think crispy zucchini chips for something savory and snackable, or go sweet with rhubarb muffins for a charming Southern-inspired spread. If you’re planning a full dessert table, rhubarb oat bars are a brilliant make-ahead option that pairs beautifully with a chilled mocktail.
Give This Mocktail a Try
This mint julep recipe mocktail is proof that you don’t need bourbon to have a great time. It’s fresh, it’s beautiful, it’s ridiculously easy to make — and it seriously impresses people.
Whether you’re hosting a Kentucky Derby party, a summer backyard gathering, or just want something special on a warm evening, this is your drink.
Try it out and let me know how it goes in the comments below! And if you loved it, save it to your Pinterest boards so more people can discover this gorgeous bourbon-free mint julep. Sharing is caring, especially when drinks are involved.
Mint Julep Recipe Mocktail
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Serving cups
Ingredients
Mint Syrup
- 1 cup Water
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 cup Fresh mint leaves
Julep Mocktail
- 1 cup Ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon
- Crushed ice As needed
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint sprigs A few sprigs
Instructions
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir as it heats up until every last grain of sugar fully dissolves, about 2 minutes.
- Add the fresh mint leaves and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mint to steep for at least 20 minutes — the longer, the mintier.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove all the mint leaves. Let cool completely before using. Refrigerate to speed up cooling.
- Fill serving cups generously with crushed ice. Pour in ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon, then add mint syrup to taste — start with 2 tablespoons and adjust from there.
- Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and serve immediately while ice cold.
