Kentucky Derby Mini Mint Julep (Printable)

A cool, citrusy mint and ginger ale drink perfect for Kentucky Derby festivities and all ages.

# 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
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. Let steep for 10 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh strainer and cool completely.
02 - In a pitcher, combine the cooled mint syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
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, filling to approximately halfway.
05 - Top each glass with chilled ginger ale, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
06 - Garnish each mocktail with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon slice. Serve immediately with short straws.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours perfecting it, but you'll have everything ready in under ten minutes.
  • The mint syrup can be made days ahead, which means zero stress when guests arrive.
  • Everyone at your table, from toddlers to grandparents, gets to feel included in the celebration.
02 -
  • If you skip cooling the syrup before adding it to ice, you'll end up with a watered-down drink no matter how good your ratio was—I learned this the hard way the first time.
  • The magic happens in the crushed ice, not cubed; it stays suspended and keeps the drink cold far longer without melting as fast.
03 -
  • Make your mint syrup the night before and chill it completely; cold syrup mixed with cold ginger ale means you can use less ice and won't dilute the flavor.
  • Keep your ginger ale in the coldest part of your refrigerator, and add it last to preserve as many bubbles as possible for that satisfying fizz.
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