You're wearing your best derby hat, and you've picked your favorite horse. Now all you need is refreshing mint julep. We're talking about the mint julep mocktail, a chilly mint smash with all the flavor of the original but zero proof. Make it a punch, make it fizzy, or break out your bottle of nonalcoholic whiskey on your quest for a buzz-free virgin mint julep that delivers better than your local pizzeria.
Virgin Mint Julep
There's no reason to miss out on the minty flavors of the julep, especially when you have your best hat on and you're having a Kentucky Derby party. Make it a little sweeter by using honey syrup instead of simple syrup.
Ingredients
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 4 ounces ginger ale
- 1-3 dashes aromatic or cinnamon bitters
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass or julep cup, muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup.
- Add crushed ice and bitters.
- Top off with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Mint juleps are served in silver cups (julep cups) because the metal allows for a nice, icy frost on the outside. To keep your cup frosty as you sip, hold it by the top rim or bottom ledge so the heat from your hand doesn't warm the drink.
Nonalcoholic Mint Julep
Whether you use nonalcoholic whiskey or zero-proof bourbon, this is one nonalcoholic mint julep that'll knock your socks off with surprise - and not because of booze.
Ingredients
- 6-10 fresh mint leaves
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces nonalcoholic bourbon
- 1-2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass or julep cup, muddle mint leaves with simple syrup.
- Add crushed ice, nonalcoholic bourbon, and bitters.
- Stir to mix.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Mocktail Mint Julep With Tea
Whether you opt for an earthy traditional black tea or want something a bit sweeter in the form of sweet tea, there's no wrong way to drink a virgin tea mint julep. #BottomsUp
Ingredients
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces nonalcoholic bourbon, optional
- 3 ounces sweet tea or black tea, chilled
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass or julep cup, muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup.
- Add crushed ice and sweet tea.
- Stir to mix.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Virgin Fruit Mint Julep
Muddle some fresh fruit in with your mint for a julep that's nothing short of an explosion of juicy flavor. The recipe calls for cherries, but you can use strawberries, blackberries, peaches, or raspberries.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh pitted cherries
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces nonalcoholic bourbon, optional
- 2 ounces black tea, chilled
- 1-3 dashes aromatic bitters
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig and cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass or julep cup, muddle the mint leaves and cherries with simple syrup.
- Add crushed ice, black tea, and bitters.
- Stir to mix.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and cherry.
When muddling mint, don't overdo it or it will make your julep bitter. This happens because the leaves release bitter-tasting chlorophyl from their veins into the drink. A light muddle with a few gentle presses and twists is all it takes. As soon as you can smell the fragrance of the mint, you can stop muddling.
Mocktail Mint Julep Punch
Muddle your way to a tasty recipe that makes an entire batch of alcohol-free mint juleps to serve at a special gathering. Or just because it's Wednesday. The recipe makes approximately nine 8-ounce servings. Need more? You can easily double the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches fresh mint leaves, stems removed
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 1 cup black tea or sweet tea, chilled
- 2 liters ginger ale
- Ice
- Mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a large, empty punch bowl, muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup using a long-handed muddler. Do not over muddle, or the mint will become bitter.
- Add the ice, tea, and ginger ale.
- Stir slowly to mix.
- Garnish each serving with a mint sprig.
A Sip of Pure Refreshment With a Nonalcoholic Mint Julep
Mellow out with a few smashes of a muddler and some mint. The mint julep mocktail will be the knockout that doesn't leave you feeling like you went through 12 rounds in the ring. Or at least it's a great excuse to have something other than your usual midday tea.
