A refreshing, non-alcoholic twist on the classic Southern cocktail.
Ingredients:
For the mint simple syrup:
2/3 cup Water
2/3 cup Sugar
1 cup Fresh Mint leaves
1/3 cup lemonade
1/3 cup sparkling lemon-lime soda
For Garnish: fresh mint leaves, lemon slice
Start by making the mint syrup – in a small saucepan, combine sugar and water and stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Turn off the heat and add the mint leaves, gently crushing a bit with your spoon or whisk. Steep at least 30 minutes, then strain out the leaves by pouring the simple syrup mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Cool syrup to room temperature. Chill and store the mint simple syrup in a glass jar or an airtight container up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Make your Julep! Fill a julep cup or tall glass with crushed ice.
Add 1-2 Tablespoons mint simple syrup, then 1/3 cup lemonade and 1/3 cup sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.
Gently stir with a straw and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint (and a lemon slice, if desired!)
