Nonalcoholic Mint Julep Punch
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!
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
Notes
Double this recipe as many times as you desire.
This recipe was developed from scratch in my kitchen by me, Molly LaFontaine, and tested many times to ensure success. Just like all of my recipes on Plum Branch Home. They're created with purpose, cherished in our own home, and developed with my experiences, trial and error, and skills. NEVER AI (artificial intelligence).