Sparkling Mint & Lemon Juleps
These bright, fizzy juleps turn fresh mint, lemon juice, and a quick sugar syrup into a cooling drink for warm afternoons. They are alcohol-free as written, with plenty of crushed ice and sparkle in every glass.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 4 drinks
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 15mCook 5mAmericanDrinks
A julep is usually a minty drink served over crushed ice. This version keeps the refreshing parts and skips the bourbon, so it works for picnics, brunches, cookouts, and family gatherings.
The flavor comes from a quick mint-lemon syrup. You warm sugar and water just long enough to dissolve the sugar, then muddle in fresh mint. Muddling means pressing the leaves gently so they release their oils.
Top each glass with chilled sparkling water right before serving. That keeps the bubbles lively and the drink crisp.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
7 items · 4 drinks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 3 medium lemons
- 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprigs for serving
- 3 cups chilled plain sparkling water
- 2 cups crushed ice, plus more as needed
- Thin lemon slices, for serving
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Make the syrup
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Set it over medium heat and stir for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid looks clear.
2. Cool briefly
Remove the pan from the heat. Let the syrup cool for 5 minutes so it is warm, not hot. This helps keep the mint flavor fresh instead of cooked.
3. Muddle the mint
Add the mint leaves to a heatproof bowl or pitcher. Pour in the warm syrup. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently press the mint 8 to 10 times. Do not grind it hard, or the mint can taste grassy.
4. Add the lemon
Stir the fresh lemon juice into the mint syrup. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
5. Strain if you like
For a cleaner drink, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher and press lightly on the mint. For a more rustic drink, leave the mint in.
6. Fill the glasses
Divide the crushed ice among 4 glasses. Pour about 1/4 cup of the mint-lemon mixture into each glass.
7. Add the sparkle
Top each glass with about 3/4 cup chilled sparkling water. Stir gently once or twice so you do not knock out too many bubbles.
8. Garnish and serve
Add a mint sprig and a thin lemon slice to each glass. Serve right away while the ice is cold and the drink is fizzy.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make the mint-lemon syrup up to 2 days ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then add sparkling water just before serving.
- Do not mix the full pitcher with sparkling water too early. The drink will still taste good, but it will lose its fizz as it sits.
- If you do not have crushed ice, place ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel and tap them with a rolling pin. Small ice pieces chill the drink quickly and give it a julep-style feel.
- For a less sweet drink, start with 1/4 cup sugar instead of 1/3 cup. Taste after adding the lemon juice and adjust if needed.
- Swap lime juice for half of the lemon juice for a sharper citrus flavor. You can also add a few thin cucumber slices for a cooler, spa-style drink.
- Use plain sparkling water for the cleanest flavor. Club soda also works, but it may add a little sodium depending on the brand.
Cook's note
Nutrition is calculated for one drink made with the full amount of sugar syrup, lemon juice, mint, sparkling water, and ice, divided into 4 servings. Garnishes are not included.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make these sparkling mint and lemon juleps ahead for a party?
Yes, make the mint-lemon syrup ahead and chill it. Wait to add the sparkling water and ice until just before serving so the drinks stay fizzy and cold.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice gives the cleanest, brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but it can taste flatter or slightly bitter, so taste the syrup before serving.
Why does my mint taste bitter?
The mint was likely crushed too hard or steeped while the syrup was too hot. Press the leaves gently, and let the syrup cool for a few minutes before adding it to the mint.
Can I make this without sugar?
You can reduce the sugar, but some sweetness balances the lemon. For a sugar-free version, use your preferred cup-for-cup sweetener and adjust to taste, since brands vary.
Is this an alcoholic julep?
No. This recipe is alcohol-free. If serving adults who want a cocktail, you can add a small splash of bourbon to individual glasses, but that is not included in the recipe or nutrition.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
4 drinks
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium1 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate19 g
- 7%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars17 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium7 mg
- 1%
- Iron0.3 mg
- 2%
- Potassium43 mg
- 1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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