Kentucky Derby Mint Julep (Print Version)

A crisp, citrusy Southern beverage bursting with fresh mint and sparkling water for light refreshment.

# What You Need:

→ Mint Syrup

01 - 1/4 cup water
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

→ Mocktail

04 - 1 cup crushed ice
05 - 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
06 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - 2 tablespoons mint syrup
08 - Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

# How-To Steps:

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 steep for 5 minutes. Strain and allow to cool completely.
02 - Fill two julep cups or glasses with crushed ice, distributing evenly to the rim.
03 - Pour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of mint syrup over the ice in each glass.
04 - Top each glass with 1/2 cup of sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
05 - Garnish generously with fresh mint sprigs. Serve immediately with a straw.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like summer tastes—cool, bright, and utterly elegant without a drop of alcohol.
  • Making your own mint syrup means you control the sweetness and flavor intensity in a way bottled syrups never can.
  • This is the kind of drink that makes people feel celebrated, whether it's a formal occasion or just a Tuesday afternoon escape.
02 -
  • If your mint syrup tastes bitter instead of bright, you steeped it too long or used mint that was already bruised—start fresh and trust your instincts on the timing.
  • The drink tastes best served immediately, as the ice begins melting the second you pour, slowly diluting and softening the sweetness in the most natural way.
03 -
  • Make your mint syrup the day before and keep it in the refrigerator—it actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to settle and deepen.
  • If you're serving a crowd, multiply the recipe and keep the syrup in a pitcher so guests can help themselves, turning the drink into something interactive and fun.
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