Kentucky Derby Mini Mint Julep (Printer-friendly)

Crisp mint, citrus, and ginger ale combine in refreshing mini juleps, perfect for Derby celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Mint Syrup

01 - 1/2 cup water
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, lightly packed

→ Mocktail Assembly

04 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
05 - 2 cups crushed ice
06 - 2 cups chilled ginger ale, gluten-free
07 - Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
08 - Lemon slices for garnish

# Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Add mint leaves and simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Allow to steep for 10 minutes, strain through fine mesh, and cool to room temperature.
02 - In a pitcher, combine cooled mint syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to blend flavors.
03 - Divide crushed ice evenly among 6 mini julep cups or small glasses.
04 - Pour the mint syrup and lemon juice mixture over the ice in each glass until halfway full.
05 - Top each glass with chilled ginger ale and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
06 - Garnish each mocktail with a fresh mint sprig and lemon slice. Serve immediately with short straws.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes sophisticated enough to serve at actual parties, but takes just 10 minutes to pull together.
  • The homemade mint syrup makes your kitchen smell absolutely incredible and transforms a simple drink into something memorable.
  • Everyone from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy it without anyone feeling left out of the celebration.
02 -
  • Don't skip straining the mint leaves or you'll end up with bits floating around and a slightly bitter aftertaste; take the 30 seconds to do it properly.
  • The ginger ale temperature matters more than you'd think—use it straight from the fridge because warm ginger ale flattens the whole drink.
03 -
  • Make your mint syrup the day before a party and you've instantly given yourself an extra 10 minutes of breathing room when people show up.
  • If your ginger ale gets warm while you're in the middle of serving, keep a second bottle in the fridge so you can swap it out without anyone noticing.
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