Mint Julep (Non-Alcoholic)

My hubs served a 2-year mission in Kentucky for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  While there, he learned of the craziness that comes in May during the Kentucky Derby (Kentucky's claim to fame...well that and the fried chicken!)  While we were living in Ohio, we got to travel down to Louisville and visit some of his old stomping grounds, and we got to visit Louisville hotspots.  We went and ate at the Claudia Saunders Dinner House, went through the Louisville Slugger Museum, and went to Churchill Downs.  It was a FANTASTIC experience!  

So during Derby time, the drink of choice is the mint julep.  Being as we don't drink alcohol, I went searching for an alternative and came across this lovely recipe.  It is very refreshing and the mint...WOW!  I need to start putting it in all my summertime drinks!

Mint Julep (Non-Alcoholic)


6 mint leaves, rinsed
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 c. cold water
3/4 c. lemon juice
4 c. fresca (or any flavor of lemon-lime soda pop)
2 c. ginger ale

Place sugar, water and lemon juice in large bowl.  Mix until sugar dissolves and add mint leaves.  Let sit for 1 hour.  Fill a large pitcher with ice and pour sugar, lemon juice mixture over ice.  You can discard the mint leaves at this time.  We left them in because we wanted a stronger mint flavor.  Add fresca and ginger ale.  Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Source:  The Farm Girl Recipes