Disneyland-Inspired Mint Julep Mocktail Recipe

Is there anything more refreshing than a sweet, minty lemon-lime drink on a hot day? This non-alcoholic mint julep inspired by Disneyland is the perfect chilled treat.

With warm days arriving in New Mexico, this drink is ideal for a quick, refreshing pick-me-up. The bright combination of mint, lemon, and lime creates a balanced, easy-to-drink beverage that’s hard to resist. It also brings back fond memories of trips to Disneyland, which makes enjoying it even more fun.

This recipe makes extra Crème de Menthe simple syrup and Mint Julep syrup so you can store them in the refrigerator and mix fresh batches quickly.

How to make a Disneyland-inspired mint julep

• To make the Crème de Menthe simple syrup, combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, let cool completely, then stir in the peppermint extract.

• For the Mint Julep syrup, dissolve sugar in water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add lime juice and frozen lemonade concentrate, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in the Crème de Menthe syrup.

• Let the syrup cool completely. To make the drink, combine 1 part Mint Julep syrup to 5 parts water (for example, 2 cups syrup to 10 cups water). Add ice, stir, and serve. For a lightly carbonated version, replace half the water with club soda.

Why make your own Crème de Menthe?

Many store-bought crème de menthe products contain alcohol. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, check labels carefully or make the syrup at home for full control of the ingredients and flavor. Homemade syrup is quick to prepare and stores well in the refrigerator.

Growing up in northern California, family trips to the Disneyland castle were a special tradition. One of our favorite spots to relax is New Orleans Square, where beignets and mint juleps are classic treats that always make the day feel extra special.

This drink pairs well with grilled or smoked dishes like a smoked ribeye, or simply keep the syrups on hand in the fridge for whenever you need a cool, flavorful beverage. Even if you’ve never visited Disneyland, this mint julep delivers that nostalgic, park-inspired taste at home.

How to store simple syrups

Both the Crème de Menthe simple syrup and the Mint Julep syrup will keep for several weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Label and date your bottles so you know when they were made.

I hope you enjoy this drink as much as I do—it’s a simple way to recall fun family moments. If you try it, please leave a comment and share your favorite Disneyland treat or how you served your julep.