Need a beverage for your Kentucky Derby Party? Try this non alcohol Cucumber Mint Julep Spritzer. Easy, refreshing beverage and one your kids can have.
English cucumbers are mixed with mint simple syrup and pure vanilla extract. Lemon lime soda or Perrier is added and poured over frozen mint ice cubes making this julep refreshing on a hot day. Sip on this beverage all day long for it is bourbon less.
Most noteworthy, the traditionalist will prefer bourbon laced juleps but this is a pleasant twist on Mint Juleps
English Cucumber Garnish
English Cucumbers fans make this drink festive and fun. To make the garnish, a mandolin creates the thin lengthwise cucumber strips.
Make an accordion pleat with the cucumber slice and slip onto a long skinny skewer that is used for appetizers. This skewer is long enough to allow the cucumber to stand stately across the top of the Julep cup. Separate loops of cucumbers to make it even across the top of the cup for best results and pretty presentation. Now that is serving it up sassy!®
In true Derby style, Mint Juleps are served in a silver cup. Read more about the Kentucky Derby and traditions.
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Recipe
Cucumber Mint Juleps Spritzer Recipe|Beverage
- Prep Time: 20 minutes + chill ice
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes + chill time
- Yield: 6-8 ounce servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Chill and Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
3 English cucumbers-divided
1 cup Mint Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
8 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups lemon-lime soda or lemon Perrier
Crushed ice- mint cubes (recipe follows)
Garnish- mint leaves and cucumber ribbons
Mint Simple Syrup- Make one day ahead
1– cup sugar
1– cup water
24 large mint leaves, rinsed & divided
Mint Ice cubes: Make one day ahead
2 cups water
10 mint leaves
2 ice cube trays
Instructions
To make Mint ice cubes:
In small microwave bowl, microwave 2 cups water and 10 mint leaves.
Brew 5-6 minutes.
Discard mint and pour minted water into ice cube tray.
Freeze until solid.
- Instructions for Mint Julep:
- Line a medium bowl with cheesecloth allow excess cloth to extend over the bowl.
- Finely grate 2 cucumbers over cheesecloth.
- Bring edges of cheesecloth together to enclose cucumber and squeeze cheesecloth over the bowl to extract juice. (Makes one cup)
- In a large pitcher, add mint simple syrup to cucumber juice.
- Add vanilla and soda. Stir to combine.
- Pour over crushed mint ice cubes.
- Garnish with sprig of mint.
Mint Simple Syrup:
In small saucepan combine sugar and water, bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and add 10 mint leaves. Brew 5-6 minutes.
Remove and discard mint leaves. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Garnish: mint leaves and cucumber ribbons.
Notes
Use mandolin to make ribbon lengths of cucumber.
Accordion pleat cucumbers on a small wooden skewer.
Other Ideas you might like to try:
