Nonalcoholic Mint Julep Punch (made from scratch)
This Southern, nonalcoholic mint julep punch is also called Kentucky Derby punch! It’s full of fresh orange juice, pureed mango, vanilla extract, homemade mint simple syrup, and sparkling water. It’s simple, wholesome, and oh-so delicious, perfect for sipping on Derby day! This recipe post includes a video tutorial so you can make it alongside me, step-by-step!
This post may contain affiliate links of items I know and love. Read our disclosure policy for more information. I NEVER use AI (artificial intelligence) to create content for Plum Branch Home. Recipes, blog posts, photos, videos, podcasts, social media content: everything is made from scratch by me, Molly LaFontaine. After developing my recipes, they’re tested 2x by my husband, Tyler, and I before publishing. What you see from Plum Branch Home is real. It’s made for a reason, tested, and loved!
You can serve this nonalcoholic mint julep recipe for a crowd or just for yourself. You don’t have to watch the Derby to enjoy it! It’s a refreshing drink to sip any day of the year.
What is Mint Julep Punch (Kentucky Derby Punch)
Think of a mint julep but in punch form. A traditional mint julep consists of bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice. For this punch, you’ve got the same mint simple syrup but you’re adding it to orange juice, vanilla extract, pureed mango, and sparkling water!
It’s such a delicious way to enjoy the beloved mint julep without alcohol. Plus it’s so much more refreshing!
Fun Facts About Mint Juleps
We’re talking about the traditional mint julep here: bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice.
- The mint julep became the official Kentucky Derby drink in the 1930s
- The mint julep wasn’t considered a drink before the Derby affiliation but rather a medicinal mix of bourbon and mint to settle stomachs, refreshen, and prevent illness in men.
- After the affiliation with the Derby, the julep went from a remedy to a sophisticated Southern drink.
- Around 120,000 mint juleps are served over Derby weekend at Churchill Downs.
- There is a special $1,000 mint julep served at the Kentucky Derby.
Fun facts are from feedtableandtavern.com and revelry.tours and distillertrail.com.
Why You’ll Love My Mint Julep Punch Recipe
- The Perfect Kentucky Derby Drink: This punch is a great drink to sip on while watching the derby at home.
- Easy to Make: The steps of this recipe are simple and easy to follow.
- Made With Wholesome Ingredients: Every ingredient is wholesome so you can feel good about drinking this punch. No added junk!
- Kid-Friendly – Nonalcoholic Option: Everyone can enjoy this punch not just the adults. It’s a great nonalcoholic option.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the mango for pineapple.
- Use ginger ale (or Sprite) instead of sparkling water if desired.
- Double this recipe for a larger batch of mint julep punch.
Ingredients You Will Need
Mint Simple Syrup
- pure cane sugar
- water
- mint sprigs (about 29-30 large/medium leaves)
Punch
- Sparkling Water (or club soda)
- Navel Oranges (medium-large size)
- Mango (ripe)
- Pure Vanilla Extract
Garnish
- Mint sprigs
- Orange slices
Helpful Kitchen Tools for this Recipe
This section contains Amazon affiliate links of items I use and love!
How to Make Mint Julep Punch
Here are the steps to help you make mint julep punch by the pitcher!
Make the mint simple syrup
Add water, cane sugar , and mint sprigs to a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
Stir to combine then let simmer for 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn.
Once mint syrup has finished simmering take it off the heat and let cool while you make the rest of the drink.
Make the rest of the punch
Slice up the mango and place it in a blender to purée it until smooth. Place juice in a pitcher
Juice the oranges by squeezing the juice or adding the fruit out of the peel into a blender and blending it up.
Strain the orange juice either way into the pitcher
Add vanilla to the pitcher
Add mint simply syrup to the mixture
Stir to combine everything in the pitcher.
Place 5 orange slices and 8 mint leaves into the pitcher. (Adds flavor!)
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until you’re ready to serve.
Add club soda/sparkling water and stir to combine. Enjoy over ice!
Best enjoyed the day after!
Video Tutorial
Tips for Making Sparkling Punch Ahead
- Chill the base only.
- Leave the sparkling water out until the last minute to ensure it’s fresh and bubbly.
- Add orange slices and mint leaves while chilling the base for more flavor.
- Refrigerate the sparkling water in its original bottle.
Best Ways to Serve Mint Julep Punch
You can serve mint julep punch on Derby day or any day of the year. It’s especially good on a warm spring or summer day. Here are a few ways to serve this punch:
- Poured over ice for a single serving
- In a large punch bowl for a party
- In a glass garnished with a fresh mint leaf and orange slice
- In an iconic mint julep, cup with crushed ice and a fresh mint leaf
What to Serve With Derby Punch
Here are a few dishes to serve with your punch. These recipes are perfect for the Kentucky Derby.
- Sourdough Derby Pie Scones
- Ham and Cheese Oven Baked Sliders
- Oven-Baked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
- Sourdough Buttermilk Biscuits (Southern-Style)
FAQs
Yes, you can! Follow my simple tips above for help.
If you prefer, yes you can. Instead of the vanilla extract, you can add bourbon. Or instead of sparkling water, you can add champagne.
More Made From Scratch Drink Recipes
- Southern Fruit Tea
- Non-Alcoholic Holiday Punch
- Watermelon Limeade
- Fresh Mint Iced Coffee
- Southern Sweet Tea
Recipe
Nonalcoholic Mint Julep Punch
Ingredients
Mint Simple Syrup
- 2/3 cup pure cane sugar
- 2/3 cup water
- 4 mint sprigs (about 29-30 large/medium leaves)
Punch
- 25-26 oz (3 1/8 cups) sparkling water (or club soda)
- 4 navel oranges (medium-large size)
- 1 large mango (must be ripe)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Garnish
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 5 orange slices
Instructions
Make the mint simple syrup
- Add water, cane sugar , and mint sprigs to a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
- Stir to combine then let simmer for 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn.
- Once mint syrup has finished simmering take it off the heat and let cool while you make the rest of the drink.
Make the rest of the punch
- Slice up the mango into chunks and place it in a blender to purée until smooth. If it won’t blend add a little orange juice. Place puree in a pitcher
- Juice the oranges by squeezing the juice or adding the fruit out of the peel into a blender and blending it up. (I recommend the blender version)
- Strain the orange juice either way you juice them into the pitcher.
- Add vanilla to the pitcher
- Add mint simply syrup to the mixture
- Stir to combine everything in the pitcher.
- Place 5 orange slices and 8-10 fresh mint leaves into the pitcher. (Adds flavor!)
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until you’re ready to serve.
- Add club soda/sparkling water and stir to combine. Enjoy over ice!
- Note: Best flavor the next day!
Video
Delicious and refreshing!
Easy to make and makes a delicious drink to serve anytime.
Thank you so much for the 5 star review! So glad you enjoyed this recipe!