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Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep

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Serve a Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep to celebrate Kentucky Derby Day with the whole family! This simple, easy Virgin Mint Julep made with ginger ale is minty, cool, refreshing, and delicious!

Side view of 3 Non-Alcoholic Mint Juleps on a marble serving tray.

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No celebration of the Kentucky Derby seems quite right without a Mint Julep. That cool, refreshing drink of summer. While most contain alcohol, we were looking for something different.

Here is our non-alcoholic mint julep everyone can enjoy at the Kentucky Derby.

Mint Julep History

The Today Show reports, “Mint juleps were served at Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, at the racetrack’s inception in 1875 and became a track staple in 1938, when they sold for 38 cents apiece in souvenir glasses, according to Fred Minnick [of the Kentucky Derby Museum]. From 1938 through 1952, less than 100,000 Kentucky Derby glasses were annually produced. As of February this year, 500,472 julep glasses have been made for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.”

And that famous sterling cup? It, too, has a history. It was introduced in 1951.

“The julep cup, which features a small horseshoe and holds 12 fluid ounces, plays an important role in Kentucky Derby folklore. Traditionally, the governor of Kentucky salutes the victorious Derby owner with a toast at the fashionable Winner’s Party following the race.”

Mint Julep in a Julep glass garnished with ice and mint on a wooden table.

Ingredients for Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep

Ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here is a quick list of what you will need to make this Kentucky Derby classic beverage.

  • Granulated sugar
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Lemon juice (freshly squeezed is always better)
  • Ginger Ale

How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep

Mint Julep instructions are also in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Combine the water, sugar, lemon juice, and mint in a large bowl. Let stand for at least 45 minutes.

Strain and discard mint. Place ice cubes in two 2-qt. pitchers; add half of the lemon mixture and ginger ale to each. Garnish each glass with lemon and mint.

Side view of 3 Non-Alcoholic Mint Juleps on a marble serving tray.

Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep

No celebration of the Kentucky Derby seems quite right without a Mint Julep. That cool, refreshing drink of summer. While most contain alcohol, we were looking for something different. Here is our non-alcoholic mint julep everyone can enjoy at the Kentucky Derby.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 16 servings or about 4 quarts
Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 quarts Ginger Ale chilled
  • 5-6 cups ice cubes

GARNISH

  • Mint and Lemon Slices

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the water, sugar, lemon juice and mint. If you have the time, it's best when the flavors can combine for 30-45 minutes.
  • Strain and discard mint. Place ice cubes in two 2-qt. pitchers; add half of the lemon mixture and ginger ale to each. Garnish each glass with lemon and mint.

Notes

You can easily make the infusion up to a couple of hours in advance.

Nutrition

Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mint julep, non-alcoholic mint julep

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