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If you know anything about the Merkleys, you know we LOVE the Happiest Place on Earth!
Not only do we love the rides, we love the food and drinks. One of our FAVORITES (especially for Lo) is this non alcoholic mint julep found in New Orleans Square at Disneyland. That’s why we just HAD to create a copycat version!
This drink is light and refreshing – kind of like a sparkling limeade with a hint of mint. Plus, it’s easy. You only need a few ingredients, and it mixes up in minutes. It makes about a gallon and can easily be doubled for larger groups. It’s great for sharing on a hot summer day!
To keep that Disney magic going, try our Churro Recipe and Monte Cristo Sandwich!
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Just like the original. This summer drink is the perfect copycat for its magical original!
- Made in minutes. With just a few ingredients, this delicious drink is ready in no time.
- Fun for all. Because this drink is alcohol-free, this taste of Disneyland can be enjoyed by kids of all ages!
Non Alcoholic Mint Julep Ingredients
- 3 cups club soda – We prefer club soda for the carbonation it adds, but for a flavor twist, use lemon-lime soda or ginger ale.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons lime juice – freshly squeezed or from a bottle
- 6 ounces thawed lemonade concentrate – Concentrate is six times the strength of regular lemon juice. We find it in the freezer section at the store.
- 6 tablespoons creme de menthe syrup – Use creme de menthe syrup/cordial, not the creme de menthe liquor.
- green food coloring
- mint leaves, for garnish
- lemon, for garnish
- cherries, for garnish
Make your own creme de menthe syrup.
- Add 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a small pot. Stir over medium heat until dissolved and allow the mixture to boil. Once boiling remove from the heat and let it completely cool. Add 1 cup of fresh mint leaves (packed) and let it steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mint leaves out of the syrup using a fine mesh strainer. Stir in 1 teaspoon mint extract until fully combined. Add more for a stronger mint flavor.
How to Make a Mint Julep
- COMBINE. In a medium pot, dissolve the sugar and the club soda by stirring constantly on medium heat. Add lime juice and thawed lemonade concentrate and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add creme de menthe syrup and food coloring. Chill.
- SERVE. Use this mixture as syrup – 3 parts syrup to 5 parts water. Makes about ⅔ of a gallon. ENJOY!
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- It’s important to use alcohol-free creme de menthe syrup, not creme de menthe liquor.
- Creme de menthe is fairly potent, so don’t use too much or the mint will overpower the other ingredients.
- To get the right flavor, use lemonade concentrate, which is 6x more potent than lemon juice.
- We mix 3 parts of mint julep syrup with 5 parts water. For a single serving, mix ½ cup of mint syrup per 1 cup of water.
Mint Julep Recipe
Ready in minutes, this copycat non-alcoholic mint julep captures the magic of Disneyland in one refreshing drink!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups club soda
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 teaspoons lime juice
- 6 ounces thawed lemonade concentrate
- 6 tablespoons creme de menthe syrup
- green food coloring
- mint leaves, for garnish
- lemon, for garnish
- cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium pot, dissolve the sugar in the club soda by stirring constantly on medium heat. Add lime juice and lemonade concentrate and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add creme de menthe syrup and food coloring. Chill.
- Add the mint syrup mixture to ⅔ gallon of water or, for smaller servings, mix 3 parts syrup to 5 parts water. ENJOY!
Notes
Recipe Tips.
- It’s important to use alcohol-free creme de menthe syrup, not creme de menthe liquor.
- Creme de menthe is fairly potent, so don’t use too much, or the mint will overpower the other ingredients.
- To get the right flavor, use lemonade concentrate, which is 6x more potent than lemon juice.
- For a single serving mix ½ cup mint syrup per 1 cup of water. Experiment with different ratios to obtain your perfect balance of flavor.
- Add 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a small pot. Stir over medium heat until dissolved and allow the mixture to boil. Once boiling remove from the heat and let it completely cool. Add 1 cup of fresh mint leaves (packed) and let it steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mint leaves out of the syrup using a fine mesh strainer. Stir in 1 teaspoon mint extract until fully combined. Add more for a stronger mint flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 240kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Sodium: 52mg, Potassium: 20mg, Sugar: 52g, Vitamin C: 4.5mg, Calcium: 14mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Prep ahead of time?
The mint julep syrup can be made up to 5 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Mix with water before serving.
How to store?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. After that, the mint flavor and the carbonation will fade.
This is my favorite drink, I always drink it at Disneyland! Finally I found his recipe. I’ve tried a lot of different ones, but it’s not right! And this recipe is perfect!
Awe, that makes me so happy to hear!! Isn’t it the best?! Glad you found it!
My sister Is a bartender And she always uses fresh mint leaves just like one Of your alternatives suggest. As always you provide great info for your recipes.
A quick and refreshing drink that will please everyone!