Mint Julep Mocktail

This mint julep mocktail is made with maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, and a generous handful of fresh mint. Complex, refreshing, and ready in minutes.

A cousin of sorts to the mojito, the mint julep is best known today as the drink of the Kentucky Derby. But this simple beverage, traditionally made with bourbon, actually dates back to the 1700s. And this version, though it may be alcohol-free, is just as simple and refreshing.

Jump to:

• 😍 Why You'll Love This Recipe
• 🌿 Ingredients
• 🍯 Substitutions & Variations
• 🔪 Instructions
• ✨ Top Tip
• 🙋🏻‍♂️ FAQ
• 🍳Pairing
• 📖 Recipe
• 🍹 Related Recipes
• 💬 Comments

With a flavor combination of apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and vanilla, plus fresh mint, of course, this mocktail is bright and easy to sip. If you're worried that the inclusion of vinegar might make this taste like a salad dressing rather than a cocktail, have no fear. The vinegar blends with the other flavors, adding acidity and contrast to the sweetness of the maple and herby notes of the mint leaves.

And haven't you heard all the health benefits of apple cider vinegar these days? One could probably argue that this mocktail is even good for you. I won't say that, but it certainly isn't a drink I feel bad about, and without the alcohol, I don't worry about having a second glass.

😍 Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. It may be sans alcohol, but it's just as enjoyable. There's no feeling of missing out on anything.
2. Highlights the flavor of fresh mint. Mint is still the star here.
3. You only need a few common ingredients. No special syrups or products needed.

If you're looking for some more recipes for non alcoholic cocktails, try my Cranberry Orange Mocktail and Gingerbread Mocktail. But if it's the fresh flavor of mint you're after, try this Honey Citrus Mint Tea or a mint and pistachio pesto pasta dish.

🌿 Ingredients

Here's everything you need to make a mint mocktail.

• Mint: The star of this mocktail. You'll need two or three sprigs of fresh mint. One is muddled at the bottom of the cocktail glass, and the other is used as a garnish to add extra fragrance with every sip.
• Maple syrup: For a deeper, richer sweetness in the mocktail than the typical simple syrup. I like to use a dark grade, but any will work fine here. And if you like maple drinks, try my super simple maple milk recipe. Of course, you'll want to use real maple syrup, and even better if it's from Vermont.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bit of tang and bite to the drink. Combined with the vanilla and maple, it creates a complex flavor profile that will almost have you forgetting there's no alcohol. Use a high-quality vinegar if you can, such as raw and unfiltered. This will also have more nutritional benefits and probiotics.
• Vanilla: Offers some warmth and oakiness that's missing without the bourbon. If you use a vanilla made with bourbon, you can actually get some of that bourbon flavor without the alcohol content. Use only pure vanilla extract, not imitation.

Check out the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

🍯 Substitutions & Variations

• Honey: Instead of maple syrup, you can try honey. Dilute it with a little water first so it mixes into the drink and doesn't stick to the ice.
• Strawberry mint julep mocktail: Try muddling a sliced strawberry or two with the mint to add a little fruit flavor to the mocktail.

🔪 Instructions

How to make a mint julep mocktail.

🙋🏻‍♂️ FAQ

🍳Pairing

Try serving any of these items with this mint mocktail:

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📖 Recipe

🍹 Related Recipes

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