Non Alcoholic Mint Julep Recipe

Are you looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot summer day?  Enjoy this remake of Disney's famous green mint julep.

It's completely non alcoholic, so the whole family can enjoy it over and over again.  Trust me--you'll want a refill!  It's got just the right balance of mint, lemon, and lime and has a beautiful garnish that is a lot of fun to eat.

Jump to:

• About
• Questions
• How to Make
• Variations
• Pro Tips
• Recipe

About

What is a mint julep at Disneyland?

This drink is one of Disneyland's most popular kid friendly drinks and has been served in New Orleans Square since 1966.

Although the drink was updated in 2017, my recipe is inspired by the traditional drink served at Disneyland.  It's got the classic green color due to the creme de menthe, unlike the new one which is yellow.  It also has the classic garnish of sword-pierced cherries and a lemon wedge with a mint sprig nestled next to the straw.

The new version's garnish has been simplified and the cherries have disappeared.  Our version has hints of lime, lemon, and mint.  Serve it in a tall, clear glass with crushed ice and with a traditional red straw.

Questions

What is creme de menthe?

Creme de menthe (a French term that means mint cream) comes in two versions: alcoholic and non alcoholic.  The name is a bit deceiving because it's not creamy.

Creme de menthe is just a simple syrup with peppermint extract. Traditionally, it has green dye in it, but it can also be purchased without it so it will look clear.

It is used for making green desserts and mint flavored beverages.  You can purchase non alcoholic creme de menthe at your grocery store, local coffee shop, or online.  If you prefer to make your own, it's super simple.

What ingredients are in the traditional Disney's mint julep?

• Creme de menthe (non alcoholic)
• Simple syrup (plain or mint infused)
• Frozen lemonade from concentrate
• Frozen limeade from concentrate
• Water or sparkling mineral water
• Crushed ice
• Garnish (lemon wedge, maraschino cherries, mint sprig)

How many calories are in this drink?

In a 15 fl. oz drink, there are 312 calories.  This drink has a small amount of vitamin C and a bit of calcium.  For more nutritional information, scroll past the recipe card.

How to Make

This drink can be made with a simple syrup of 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar, but if you want more of a minty taste, use a infused simple syrup.  Do this by pouring the hot simple syrup over ½ cup of chopped fresh mint.

Cover the bowl with a plate and let it steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour on the counter.  The longer it sits, the stronger the taste.

Pour the infused simple syrup through a strainer, making sure there's a bowl underneath to catch the liquid.  Use a large spoon to squeeze out any remaining liquid.  Pour the infused simple syrup into a jar, cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

To make the homemade creme de menthe, make a simple syrup of 1 cup water to 1 cup sugar.  Pour the hot simple syrup into a container and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.  The larger the surface area, the quicker it will cool.

Once chilled, add two teaspoons of peppermint extract.  Stir it in to mix well.

For the traditional look, stir in a few drops of green food coloring.  Pour into a glass jar, seal tightly with a lid, and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Once the infused simple syrup and the homemade creme de menthe are ready, get out the rest of the ingredients for the drink.  (In the picture below, the simple syrup is on the left, and the infused simple syrup is on the right, with the homemade creme de menthe in the center.)  The bowls have the frozen lemonade and limeade from concentrate and the garnish ingredients: lemon wedges, maraschino cherries (with or without the stem), bambo skewers and fresh mint sprigs.

The pictures will show you how to build the drink in a glass, which is the perfect technique if you only need one or two drinks.  Start by pouring the simple syrup or the infused simple syrup into a 15-ounce glass.

Either of these simple syrups taste good in this drink, but I prefer the infused simple syrup.  I recommend you try it both ways to see which you prefer.

Next, add the frozen lemonade from concentrate.  It can melt pretty fast if its a hot day.

Add the frozen limeade from concentrate next.

To get the signature color, add the creme de menthe.  I used a homemade version, so it will taste different if you use store bought.

Give the drink a stir with a long handled spoon to mix everything before pouring in the sparkling mineral water.  Actually, it's traditional to use uncarbonated water, but sparkling mineral water gives the drink a special touch with all it's bubbles.  Plus, kids love carbonated drinks.

Gently stir with a long handled spoon to mix all the flavors.

To make the traditional garnish, start with a lemon wedge that has been de-seeded.  Push the bamboo skewer through the rind of the lemon wedge, then take it off.  This might seem backwards, but it's easier to make the holes in the lemon wedge before the cherries get added.

Starting with an empty skewer, spear two cherries onto the skewer, then put the lemon wedge back on.  Now that the skewer is done, you can choose to rest it across the top of the drink or to stand it up.

If you want the skewer stand up, make a small slit in the lemon wedge and rest the skewer on the side of the glass.  This works best when the drink is served in a traditional glass not a plastic one as it could tip over when the liquid level drops.

If you want to add crushed ice, add it before the garnishes are added.  This drink is always served with crushed ice, but feel free to serve it without if all your ingredients are chilled.

It's a Disney tradition to add one or two solid red plastic straws, but we decided to use a striped paper straw for a retro feel.  Place your straw next to your skewer and nestle your fresh sprig right beside your straw.  This way you can smell it with each sip.

If you want your fresh mint to be more flavorful, lay it on a piece of paper towel and slap it with your hand.  This will release some oils into your drink and will smell wonderful.

Variations

• Customize the drink to your individual tastes by adjusting the mint, lemon, lime or sugar.
• Want it more minty?  Use infused simple syrup, creme de menthe and a slapped mint sprig.
• Don't want your skewer to lay across your drink? Stand it up by resting the lemon wedge on the side of a bottom heavy glass.

Pro Tips

• Use homemade creme de menthe to get the same flavor profile as the recipe.  Store-bought will taste different.
• If making a large pitcher, add the sparkling mineral water just before serving.
• If making for a party, have separate bowls for the lemon wedges, maraschino cherries, mint sprigs and bamboo skewers.

Note: this drink is a remake of a popular Disneyland beverage which caters to kids.  It has no alcohol in it, and the only resemblance to the real thing is the crushed ice and the fresh mint sprig.

Treat yourself to one of these cold drinks.

• Easy Lime and Mint Refresher:
• Copycat Chick-fil-A Frozen Lemonade:
• Minty Ginger Peach Tea:

The pleasure of a 5-star review would be greatly appreciated.

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