Craving the refreshing taste of a virgin mint julep for Derby Day or just a relaxing summer afternoon? You’ve come to the right place! We’re delighted to share our easy Disneyland mint julep mocktail recipe, a non-alcoholic delight that captures all the magic of the Happiest Place on Earth.
Before meeting my husband, the world of the Kentucky Derby was a complete mystery to me. I’d never watched a horse race or even understood the traditions surrounding it. Through his family, I was introduced to an exciting cultural experience complete with classic juleps, savory Kentucky Hot Browns, extravagant hats, and the amusing names of champion racehorses. While our family traditions have evolved, our shared appreciation for the iconic mint julep has remained a cherished constant.
Whether it’s ordering a round of Disneyland mint juleps from the charming Mint Julep Bar during a visit to the parks, whipping up a batch for a lively summer barbecue, or gathering loved ones to watch an exciting race, a fantastic virgin mint julep recipe is always a winner. It’s truly the perfect delicious drink for a hot summer day, offering an unparalleled burst of cooling mint and fresh flavors that refresh and invigorate the senses. This versatile mocktail is more than just a drink; it’s an experience.
Our special recipe masterfully channels all the fresh, bright mint flavor that makes a classic julep so beloved, but without any alcohol. This makes it an ideal beverage choice for everyone: it’s perfectly kid-friendly, pregnancy-safe, and wonderfully refreshing any day of the year. No matter the occasion, this non-alcoholic mint julep delivers pure, unadulterated refreshment.
Ready to mix up your own yummy mint julep mocktail? Let’s dive into the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful drink!
All About Mint Juleps: A Refreshing History
Juleps represent a fascinating family of drinks, typically characterized by a sweet base, like simple syrup, and a fresh herb, such as mint or basil. Among this family, the Mint Julep reigns supreme as the most iconic and widely recognized julep drink in the United States. In fact, the term “julep” often serves as a shorthand for the classic Mint Julep itself, underscoring its prominence.
The Mint Julep’s legendary status is intrinsically linked to its role as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Each year, spectators at Churchill Downs eagerly consume over 120,000 of these frosty concoctions, solidifying its place in American sporting tradition. A classic, authentic mint julep is traditionally crafted from a precise combination of muddled fresh mint, robust bourbon, sweet simple syrup, and an abundance of crushed ice. This meticulous preparation results in a cool, incredibly refreshing, and slightly slushy beverage – perfect for cooling off on a hot race day, like the first Saturday in May at the Kentucky Derby, or to celebrate National Mint Julep Day on May 30th.
Beyond its ingredients, the presentation of a mint julep is also deeply traditional. These iconic drinks are most often served in specially designed silver or pewter cups. This choice isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s functional. Much like a Moscow Mule is served in a copper mug, these metal julep cups rapidly develop a beautiful layer of frost on their exterior. This frost isn’t just a visual delight; it keeps the drink exceptionally cold, ensuring every sip is as crisp and refreshing as the first. When holding the cup, it’s customary to grip it by the rim or the base to avoid melting the frost and to keep your hands cool while enjoying the icy beverage.
For those times when you’re not at the racetrack or don’t have specialized julep cups on hand, the versatility of this drink allows for alternative serving options. Mint juleps are frequently enjoyed in a tall Collins glass (often accompanied by a straw), a classic highball glass, or even an old-fashioned glass, ensuring that you can savor this refreshing concoction wherever you are.
Simple Ingredients to Get Started on Your Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep
Transforming this traditional alcoholic drink into a delightful non-alcoholic mocktail is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few flavorful swaps and key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create your perfect virgin mint julep:
- Crushed Ice: The hallmark of a truly authentic mint julep is its super frosty, almost slushy texture. Using crushed ice is absolutely essential to achieve this signature chill and mouthfeel. If you don’t have a special ice maker, you can easily make crushed ice at home. Simply place regular ice cubes in a sturdy freezer bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or a meat mallet until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, many grocery stores sell bags of pebble ice, which works beautifully.
- Mint Simple Syrup: This is the heart of our Disneyland mint julep mocktail recipe. A great julep starts with a homemade mint simple syrup, which infuses the drink with intense, fresh mint flavor. Making it is incredibly easy: it’s just a combination of water, sugar, and fresh mint leaves, simmered gently to create a fragrant, sweet syrup. We’ll go into more detail on how to prepare this foundational ingredient in the instructions below.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: You’ll need a generous amount of fresh mint for both the simple syrup and for garnishing your finished mocktails. A few vibrant mint sprigs perched on top of your drink not only look beautiful but also release a wonderful aroma, instantly signaling to your tastebuds the delicious, cooling flavors awaiting them. Spearmint is generally preferred for its classic, sweet mint profile.
- Lemonade: While some non-alcoholic mint julep recipes opt for ginger ale, our extensive side-by-side taste tests have consistently shown that lemonade is the preferred base for a virgin mint julep. Its bright, tangy notes perfectly complement the sweet mint. The beauty of this ingredient is its flexibility: feel free to use your family’s favorite kind of lemonade, whether it’s store-bought for convenience, freshly homemade for extra zest, or a sugar-free option for dietary preferences.
- Sparkling Water (or Lemon-Lime Soda): To finish off your mint julep with a delightful effervescence, you’ll add a splash of bubbles. We typically lean towards sparkling water or club soda to help moderate the overall sweetness and sugar content. However, if you prefer a sweeter, more classic “Disneyland” style julep, a lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP works wonderfully and adds an extra layer of citrusy sweetness.
What’s In A Disneyland Mint Julep? Unlocking the Secret!
The precise, signature Disneyland Mint Julep recipe is a closely guarded secret (and rightfully so!). However, persistent rumors and informed speculation suggest that their famous non-alcoholic mint julep is crafted from a unique mint syrup, a base of lemonade (or a concentrated lemonade mixture), and a generous splash of lemon-lime soda. If you’re on a quest for an authentic copycat Disneyland mint julep recipe, our version, particularly when made with lemon-lime soda, comes incredibly close to the original. It promises to instantly transport your senses to the enchanting New Orleans Square or the delightful Cafe Orleans at the Happiest Place on Earth, without ever leaving your kitchen!
How To Make A Mint Julep Mocktail, Step By Step: Crafting Your Perfect Drink
As always, you can find the full recipe, with precise ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and helpful tips in the recipe card below. These step-by-step instructions will guide you through creating this delightful beverage.
- Start By Making The Mint Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Stir this mixture constantly over medium heat until all the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup is clear. This forms your basic simple syrup, which is the sweet foundation for your mint infusion.
- Steep the Mint for Flavor Infusion: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add your fresh mint leaves to the hot simple syrup. Using the back of a spoon or a whisk, gently crush (or “muddle”) the mint leaves slightly against the bottom of the pan. This gentle muddling helps to release their essential oils and aromatic compounds, maximizing the mint flavor. Allow the mint to steep in the warm syrup for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a more intense minty taste. Once adequately steeped, carefully strain out all the mint leaves by pouring the simple syrup mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean, heat-proof container. Discard the spent mint leaves. Allow the freshly infused mint syrup to cool completely to room temperature before chilling. Once cooled, transfer the syrup to an airtight container or a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Assemble Your Refreshing Julep: To build your virgin mint julep, fill a traditional julep cup or a tall Collins glass to the very top with crushed ice. The more crushed ice, the better the frosty effect! Next, add 1-2 Tablespoons (or 1/2 to 1 ounce) of your homemade mint simple syrup to the cup. Follow this with 1/3 cup of lemonade and 1/3 cup of sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. Gently stir all the ingredients together with a long straw or a spoon to combine the flavors without losing too much carbonation. For the perfect finishing touch, garnish your mocktail with a vibrant sprig of fresh mint and, if desired, a thin lemon slice. Serve immediately and enjoy the invigorating taste!
Turn Up The Mint Factor! For those who adore an extra-strong burst of mint flavor, consider an additional step. Before building your drink, place a few extra fresh mint leaves at the bottom of your chosen cup along with the mint simple syrup. Gently muddle these fresh leaves directly in the syrup for a few seconds. This intensifies the minty aroma and taste significantly. After muddling, proceed by adding the crushed ice, lemonade, and sparkling water or soda as described above. It’s a simple trick that delivers a powerful mint punch!
FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep
Crafting the perfect non-alcoholic mint julep is an art, and these frequently asked questions and expert tips will help you master it every time:
How Long Does Mint Simple Syrup Last? Your homemade mint simple syrup is quite versatile and has a decent shelf life. When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 1 month. However, for the absolute best flavor and freshness, we highly recommend using it within 2 weeks. You’ll know if your syrup has gone bad if it develops an off-putting smell, hisses or fizzes when you open the container (indicating fermentation), or takes on a cloudy or murky appearance.
A Trick For Crushed Ice: Achieving That Signature Julep Slushiness. Mint juleps are famously known for their distinct, slightly slushy consistency, which comes from using plenty of crushed ice. If you don’t own a fancy ice-crushing machine or a special ice tray designed for crushed ice, don’t worry! You can easily make your own. Place standard ice cubes into a clean, sturdy freezer bag, seal it well, and then use a rolling pin or a heavy mallet to gently but firmly crush the ice until it reaches the desired pebble-like consistency. Another fantastic option is to purchase pebble ice, often sold at convenience stores or fast-food chains like Sonic, which offers the ideal texture without any effort.
Try It With Berries for a Fruity Twist! One of our absolute favorite ways to innovate on the classic virgin mint julep is by incorporating fresh fruit. Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar often delights visitors with seasonal and specialty juleps that frequently feature various fruit flavors, which inspired this variation. To add a delightful fruity dimension, try mixing fresh strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries into our mint julep mocktail recipe. Simply muddle 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen fruit at the bottom of the glass along with the mint simple syrup and a few extra fresh mint leaves before adding the ice and liquids. The combination of sweet fruit and cool mint is incredibly delicious and adds a beautiful color to your drink!
Other Flavor Variations To Try: Beyond Berries! If you’re looking for different ways to customize your non-alcoholic mint julep and explore a broader spectrum of flavors without adding fruit, try one of these tasty twists:
- Ginger Infusion: For a subtle warmth and a gentle kick, consider adding a few thin slices of fresh ginger to your mint simple syrup while it steeps. This technique, similar to our ginger-mint syrup in other mocktail recipes, adds a sophisticated layer of flavor. Alternatively, for a quicker ginger note, you can use a high-quality ginger ale in place of the lemonade, which provides a familiar spicy-sweet profile.
- Extra Citrus Burst (Lemon or Lime): A small, fresh squeeze of lemon or lime juice can work wonders to enhance the overall brightness of your mint julep and perfectly balance out its sweetness. This simple addition can elevate the drink by introducing a vibrant tanginess that complements the mint beautifully.
- Vanilla Essence: Just 1-2 drops of pure vanilla extract can introduce a surprisingly lovely and complex layer of flavor to your mocktail. For an even more authentic nod to the traditional bourbon julep, use bourbon vanilla extract. This will subtly echo the deep, rich notes typically found in its alcoholic counterpart, adding depth without the alcohol.
- Cucumber Coolness: For an ultra-refreshing and spa-like experience, muddle a few thin slices of cucumber along with the mint in your simple syrup or directly in the glass. The crisp, clean taste of cucumber pairs wonderfully with mint.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a touch of heat, a tiny slice of jalapeño muddled with the mint can add an intriguing, subtle warmth and a modern twist to your julep. Be careful not to overdo it!
More Refreshing Mocktail Recipes To Try
Moscow Mule Mocktail
Classic Shirley Temple
Virgin Paloma (Grapefruit Mocktail)
Recipe Card: Virgin Mint Julep Mocktail (Disneyland Copycat)
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Print Recipe
Virgin Mint Julep Mocktail (Disneyland Copycat)
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5 from 1 review
- Author: Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 Serving
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Craving a non-alcoholic mint julep for Derby day? We’ve got you covered with our easy Disneyland-style mint julep mocktail recipe!
Ingredients
For The Mint Simple Syrup:
- 2/3 cup Water
- 2/3 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Fresh Mint leaves
For Each Mint Julep
- Crushed ice
- 1–2 Tablespoons mint simple syrup (1/2–1 oz.)
- 1/3 cup lemonade (2 2/3 oz)
- 1/3 cup sparkling water or lemon-lime soda (Sprite) (2 2/3 oz)
- For Garnish: fresh mint leaves, lemon slice
For A Pitcher Of Mint Juleps:
- 3–5 cups Crushed Ice
- 1 batch mint simple syrup (above)
- 3 cups lemonade
- 3 cups sparkling water or lemon-lime soda
- fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Start By Making The Mint Syrup. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water and stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Steep. Turn off the heat and add the mint leaves, gently crushing a bit with your spoon or whisk. Steep at least 30 minutes, then strain out the leaves by pouring the simple syrup mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Cool syrup to room temperature. Chill and store the mint simple syrup in a glass jar or an airtight container up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
- Make Your Julep! Fill a julep cup or tall collins glass with crushed ice. Add 1-2 Tablespoons mint simple syrup, then 1/3 cup lemonade and 1/3 cup sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. Gently stir with a straw and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint (and a lemon slice, if desired!)
Notes
Turn Up The Mint!
If you like, you can add even more mint flavor by gently muddling a few mint leaves with the mint simple syrup at the bottom of the cup before building your drink. Muddle the mint in the syrup, then add the ice, lemonade, and sparkling water/soda.
Try It With Fruit!
Infuse your drink with fruity flavor by muddling 1-2 Tablespoons of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or peaches at the bottom of the cup with the simple syrup before building your drink.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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