Kentucky Derby Mini Mint Julep (Printable Version)

A crisp, sweet drink featuring fresh mint, lemon juice, and sparkling water for refreshing enjoyment.

# What You'll Need:

→ Mint Syrup

01 - 1/2 cup water
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

→ Mocktail Assembly

04 - 2 cups crushed ice
05 - 1 1/2 cups cold sparkling water or club soda
06 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - 1/2 cup unsweetened or lightly sweetened apple juice
08 - Lemon slices for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add mint leaves, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool completely.
02 - Fill mini julep cups or small glasses with crushed ice. Add 1 tablespoon of mint syrup per glass.
03 - Pour 1/4 cup sparkling water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon apple juice per serving into each glass. Stir gently to combine.
04 - Top each mocktail with fresh mint sprigs and lemon slices. Serve immediately with straws.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 10 minutes—no cooking required after the syrup is made
  • Completely alcohol-free, making it perfect for kids, pregnant guests, or anyone who prefers non-alcoholic beverages
  • Bursting with fresh mint flavor that's authentic to the classic julep experience
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free, accommodating a variety of dietary preferences
  • Beautiful presentation in mini julep cups adds an elegant touch to any celebration
  • Refreshing and not overly sweet, with a perfect balance of mint, citrus, and bubbles
02 -
  • Always use fresh mint leaves rather than dried for the most vibrant, authentic flavor in your syrup
  • Don't skip straining the mint syrup—removing the leaves prevents bitterness and keeps the drink smooth
  • Serve in traditional mini julep cups if you have them, as the metal keeps drinks colder longer and adds authentic Derby Day charm
  • Stir gently when combining ingredients to preserve the carbonation in the sparkling water
  • Keep extra mint syrup on hand so guests can customize sweetness to their liking
  • Check juice and sparkling water labels if serving guests with allergies or sensitivities, as some brands may contain unexpected additives
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