Updated at: 24-10-2026 - By: John Lau

There’s something wonderfully refreshing about a mint julep on a warm afternoon. The fragrant mint, generous mound of crushed ice, and delicate sweetness make every sip feel like a little celebration. And when you leave out the alcohol, this Southern favorite becomes an easy, crowd-pleasing drink for just about any occasion.

If you’ve been looking for a publix mint julep mocktail, you’re in the right place. The original Publix-inspired combination of fresh mint, lemon, ginger ale, and club soda provides a delicious starting point for experimenting with different fruits, herbs, and sparkling mixers.

Whether you’re hosting a Kentucky Derby party, planning a spring brunch, celebrating Mother’s Day, or relaxing on the porch during summer, these refreshing drinks bring plenty of flavor without any alcohol.

From juicy strawberry and peach variations to sophisticated lavender, hibiscus, and citrus combinations, there’s something for every taste. Most recipes require just a few minutes of preparation and ingredients you can find during an ordinary grocery trip.

For the best results, use fresh spearmint, chilled mixers, and plenty of crushed ice. When a recipe calls for simple syrup, you can make it by dissolving equal parts sugar and hot water, then cooling it before mixing.

Ready to fill those glasses?

Refreshing Publix Mint Julep Mocktail Recipes to Try at Home

Classic Lemon Ginger Mint Julep With Sparkling Soda

Classic Lemon Ginger Mint Julep With Sparkling Soda

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This pale golden mocktail captures the refreshing character of the Publix favorite. Fresh lemon adds brightness, ginger ale brings gentle sweetness, and mint gives every sip a crisp herbal aroma. Served in a traditional silver julep cup with crushed ice and a generous mint bouquet, it’s perfect for Derby Day celebrations.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp simple syrup
  • 2 oz chilled ginger ale
  • 2 oz chilled club soda
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 thin lemon wheel
  • 1 fresh mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place the mint leaves and simple syrup in a chilled julep cup. Press gently with a muddler to release the mint’s fragrance.
  2. Add the fresh lemon juice and stir until thoroughly combined.
  3. Fill the cup with crushed ice, then slowly pour in the ginger ale and club soda.
  4. Stir gently from the bottom to combine the flavors without losing too much carbonation.
  5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately with a short straw.

Sparkling Strawberry Lemon Mint Julep With Crushed Ice

Sparkling Strawberry Lemon Mint Julep With Crushed Ice

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Fresh strawberries transform this classic into a beautiful rosy-pink drink with sweet berry flavor and lively citrus notes. The crushed ice creates a frosty texture, while fresh mint adds a cooling finish. Serve it in a clear Collins glass with a strawberry fan and lemon slice for spring brunches or garden parties.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 3 medium strawberries, hulled
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp simple syrup
  • 3 oz chilled lemon sparkling water
  • 1 oz chilled ginger ale
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 small strawberry and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add the strawberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Muddle until the berries release their juice.
  2. Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine.
  3. Fill a Collins glass with crushed ice, then strain the strawberry mixture over the ice, pressing lightly on the fruit.
  4. Add the sparkling water and ginger ale. Stir once or twice.
  5. Garnish with a sliced strawberry and mint sprig before serving.

Southern Peach White Tea Mint Julep Cooler

Southern Peach White Tea Mint Julep Cooler

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Soft amber tones and delicate peach aromas make this mocktail especially inviting. Sweet peach nectar blends with chilled white tea for a mellow, refreshing finish that doesn’t overwhelm the mint. A thin peach wedge and leafy mint garnish give the drink a relaxed Southern appearance, ideal for summer lunches and afternoon gatherings.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 2 oz peach nectar
  • 2 oz chilled brewed white tea
  • 1 oz chilled club soda
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey syrup
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 thin peach wedge and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place the mint leaves and honey syrup in a julep cup or sturdy rocks glass.
  2. Muddle lightly, then pour in the peach nectar, chilled white tea, and lemon juice.
  3. Stir everything together and fill the glass with crushed ice.
  4. Top with club soda, stirring gently to distribute the bubbles.
  5. Slide a fresh peach wedge onto the rim and finish with a fragrant mint sprig.

Blackberry Lime Ginger Mint Julep With Fresh Berries

Blackberry Lime Ginger Mint Julep With Fresh Berries

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Deep purple blackberry juice gives this mint julep an elegant, jewel-toned appearance. Tart lime balances the berries, while ginger ale adds a gentle spicy sweetness. Served over sparkling crushed ice in a short crystal tumbler, with plump blackberries and a lime twist, it looks lovely at outdoor dinners and evening celebrations.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 5 fresh blackberries
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tsp simple syrup
  • 3 oz chilled ginger ale
  • 1 oz chilled club soda
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 2 blackberries and 1 lime twist for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add the blackberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup to a mixing glass.
  2. Gently muddle until the berries release their dark juice.
  3. Stir in the lime juice, then fine-strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
  4. Slowly add the ginger ale and club soda, stirring once to combine.
  5. Garnish with two blackberries on a cocktail pick and a fresh lime twist.

Tropical Pineapple Coconut Mint Julep With Lime

Tropical Pineapple Coconut Mint Julep With Lime

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This sunny golden drink brings tropical warmth to the traditional mint julep. Pineapple provides juicy sweetness, coconut water keeps the texture light, and fresh lime adds a refreshing tang. A tall glass, crushed ice, pineapple wedge, and bright green mint garnish create a cheerful presentation for pool parties and backyard cookouts.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 2 oz unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 2 oz chilled coconut water
  • 1 oz chilled club soda
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tsp simple syrup
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 small pineapple wedge and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gently muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup in the bottom of a tall glass.
  2. Add the pineapple juice, coconut water, and lime juice.
  3. Stir well, then pack the glass with crushed ice.
  4. Pour club soda over the top and stir lightly to preserve the fizz.
  5. Garnish with a small pineapple wedge and a generous mint sprig.

Cucumber Basil Mint Julep With Sparkling Lemon Water

Cucumber Basil Mint Julep With Sparkling Lemon Water

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Cool cucumber and fragrant basil give this pale green mocktail a garden-fresh personality. The mint adds an extra layer of freshness, while sparkling lemon water keeps everything crisp and light. Serve it in a slender highball glass with cucumber ribbons and upright herbs for an elegant summer brunch or outdoor luncheon.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 3 thin cucumber slices
  • 5 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 fresh basil leaves
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp simple syrup
  • 4 oz chilled lemon sparkling water
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 long cucumber ribbon and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place the cucumber slices, mint, basil, and simple syrup in a sturdy mixing glass.
  2. Muddle gently until the cucumber releases its juice and the herbs become fragrant.
  3. Add the lemon juice and strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice.
  4. Top with chilled sparkling lemon water and stir carefully.
  5. Curl a cucumber ribbon inside the glass and garnish with fresh mint.

Fresh Watermelon Mint Julep With Lime Bubbles

Fresh Watermelon Mint Julep With Lime Bubbles

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Bright watermelon pink makes this julep an instant summer favorite. Fresh watermelon creates a naturally juicy base, while lime and mint keep the sweetness refreshing rather than heavy. A rounded goblet filled with crushed ice, a tiny watermelon triangle, and a leafy mint garnish makes it especially appealing for picnics and afternoon parties.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • ½ cup seedless watermelon cubes
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp simple syrup, optional
  • 2 oz chilled club soda
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 small watermelon triangle
  • 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Blend the watermelon cubes until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a lighter texture.
  2. Gently muddle the mint leaves with lime juice and optional simple syrup in a mixing glass.
  3. Add the watermelon juice and stir to combine.
  4. Pour into a goblet filled with crushed ice, then top with club soda.
  5. Garnish with a small watermelon triangle and fresh mint.

Blueberry Lavender Mint Julep With Lemon Fizz

Blueberry Lavender Mint Julep With Lemon Fizz

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Soft purple-blue hues and a delicate floral aroma make this mocktail feel refined without being complicated. Blueberries provide mild sweetness, lavender adds a subtle botanical note, and lemon keeps the flavors bright. A clear julep glass, frosty crushed ice, scattered blueberries, and a mint bouquet create an inviting springtime presentation.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries
  • 5 fresh mint leaves
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp food-grade lavender syrup
  • 3 oz chilled club soda
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 3 blueberries and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place blueberries, mint leaves, and lavender syrup in a mixing glass.
  2. Muddle the blueberries until their juices release, keeping pressure on the mint gentle.
  3. Stir in lemon juice and fine-strain into a chilled julep cup packed with crushed ice.
  4. Add club soda slowly and stir lightly.
  5. Garnish with three blueberries and a mint sprig. Use the lavender syrup sparingly so its floral flavor stays balanced.

Raspberry Hibiscus Mint Julep With Ruby Red Ice

Raspberry Hibiscus Mint Julep With Ruby Red Ice

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Vibrant ruby-red color makes this hibiscus julep a beautiful centerpiece for warm-weather entertaining. Tart floral tea blends with fresh raspberries for a lively flavor, while mint softens the finish. Served in a clear rocks glass with crushed ice, a raspberry skewer, and fresh herbs, it offers a striking contrast of red and green.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 2 oz chilled, strongly brewed hibiscus tea
  • 4 fresh raspberries
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp simple syrup
  • 2 oz chilled ginger ale
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 2 raspberries and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brew the hibiscus tea according to the package directions, using a little less water for stronger flavor. Chill completely.
  2. Muddle raspberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup in a mixing glass.
  3. Add hibiscus tea and lemon juice, then strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
  4. Pour ginger ale over the mixture and stir gently.
  5. Garnish with raspberries on a cocktail pick and fresh mint.

Honey Grapefruit Mint Julep With Rosemary Garnish

Honey Grapefruit Mint Julep With Rosemary Garnish

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Blush-pink grapefruit juice creates a sophisticated citrus mocktail with a pleasantly bittersweet edge. Honey rounds out the tartness, fresh mint adds its familiar cooling aroma, and rosemary contributes an earthy fragrance. Serve it in a silver julep cup with a grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig for stylish spring gatherings or leisurely weekend brunches.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 2 oz fresh pink grapefruit juice
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp honey syrup
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 oz chilled club soda
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 small grapefruit wedge
  • 1 fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add mint leaves and honey syrup to a chilled julep cup.
  2. Muddle gently, then stir in grapefruit juice and lemon juice.
  3. Fill the cup generously with crushed ice.
  4. Add club soda and stir slowly until the ingredients are mixed.
  5. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig. Keep the rosemary above the drink for aroma rather than muddling it.

Apple Ginger Mint Julep With Cinnamon Sparkle

Apple Ginger Mint Julep With Cinnamon Sparkle

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Golden apple cider and warming cinnamon give this mint julep a cozy autumn personality. Ginger ale brings festive bubbles, while fresh mint keeps the drink from feeling too heavy. Served in a copper-colored cup or clear tumbler with a thin apple fan and cinnamon stick, it’s a charming addition to fall celebrations and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 3 oz chilled nonalcoholic apple cider
  • 2 oz chilled ginger ale
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 2 thin apple slices and 1 cinnamon stick for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place mint leaves and maple syrup in a julep cup, then muddle gently.
  2. Add apple cider, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly combined.
  3. Fill the cup with crushed ice and slowly pour in the ginger ale.
  4. Give the mocktail one gentle stir to distribute the flavors.
  5. Garnish with thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately while the ice remains frosty.

Creamy Vanilla Coconut Mint Julep With Ginger Fizz

Creamy Vanilla Coconut Mint Julep With Ginger Fizz

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This creamy variation has a soft ivory color and a delicate vanilla aroma. Coconut milk lends smoothness, mint provides a refreshing contrast, and ginger ale adds light bubbles. Served in a chilled stemless glass with finely crushed ice, toasted coconut, and a fresh mint sprig, it feels like a refreshing dessert-inspired treat.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 2 oz chilled unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2 oz chilled ginger ale
  • 1 oz chilled coconut water
  • 5 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp simple syrup
  • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely crushed ice
  • 1 tsp toasted unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gently muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add coconut milk, coconut water, and vanilla extract. Shake briefly without ice to combine.
  3. Strain into a chilled stemless glass filled with finely crushed ice.
  4. Slowly pour ginger ale over the mixture and stir just once.
  5. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top and finish with a mint sprig. Serve immediately for the smoothest texture.

Tart Cherry Pomegranate Mint Julep Over Crushed Ice

Tart Cherry Pomegranate Mint Julep Over Crushed Ice

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Deep garnet-red color and a lively sweet-tart flavor make this julep especially memorable. Cherry juice provides fruity richness, pomegranate adds depth, and sparkling water gives it a crisp finish. A clear double old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice, glossy cherries, and bright mint makes this drink attractive for holiday parties or evening entertaining.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 2 oz unsweetened tart cherry juice
  • 1 oz pomegranate juice
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp simple syrup
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 oz chilled club soda
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 2 fresh or frozen pitted cherries
  • 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add the mint leaves and simple syrup to a mixing glass. Press lightly with a muddler.
  2. Pour in the tart cherry juice, pomegranate juice, and lime juice.
  3. Stir until combined, then strain into a double old-fashioned glass packed with crushed ice.
  4. Top with club soda and stir gently.
  5. Garnish with pitted cherries on a cocktail pick and a fresh mint sprig.

Green Apple Matcha Mint Julep With Lemon Ice

Green Apple Matcha Mint Julep With Lemon Ice

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Earthy matcha and crisp green apple create a distinctive mint julep with a naturally green appearance. The tea adds a gentle grassy note, apple juice brings sweetness, and lemon keeps the finish bright. Presented in a tall clear glass with crushed ice, a green apple fan, and mint, it feels fresh and modern.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • ½ tsp matcha powder
  • 1 oz cool water
  • 2 oz chilled green apple juice
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 5 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 tsp simple syrup
  • 2 oz chilled club soda
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 2 thin green apple slices and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Whisk matcha powder with cool water in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
  2. In a separate mixing glass, gently muddle mint leaves with simple syrup and lemon juice.
  3. Add apple juice and prepared matcha, stirring well to combine.
  4. Strain into a tall glass filled with crushed ice, then top with chilled club soda.
  5. Garnish with green apple slices and mint. Stir lightly before drinking if the matcha begins settling.

Southern Iced Black Tea Mint Julep With Maple Lemon

Southern Iced Black Tea Mint Julep With Maple Lemon

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Deep amber black tea gives this alcohol-free julep a classic Southern character. Maple syrup contributes a soft caramel sweetness, while lemon and mint keep the drink lively. Served in a frosty metal cup with crushed ice, a lemon twist, and fresh mint, it’s an excellent choice for Derby watching or afternoon cookouts.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 3 oz chilled unsweetened black tea
  • 1 oz chilled ginger ale
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp pure maple syrup
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 lemon twist and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brew the black tea, remove the tea bag or leaves, and chill completely.
  2. In a metal julep cup, gently muddle the mint leaves with maple syrup.
  3. Add the chilled black tea and lemon juice, stirring to blend the sweetness evenly.
  4. Fill the cup with crushed ice and top with ginger ale.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist and fresh mint. Serve with a short straw for the classic julep experience.

Cranberry Orange Mint Julep With Festive Citrus Garnish

Cranberry Orange Mint Julep With Festive Citrus Garnish

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Brilliant cranberry red makes this sparkling julep perfect for holiday celebrations. Orange juice softens the cranberry’s tartness, ginger ale provides gentle warmth, and fresh mint delivers a refreshing finish. A clear highball glass, crushed ice, orange wheel, and scattered cranberries create a colorful presentation for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or winter brunches.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1½ oz fresh orange juice
  • 2 oz chilled ginger ale
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 tsp simple syrup
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 thin orange wheel
  • 1 tbsp fresh cranberries and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place mint leaves and simple syrup into a highball glass, then muddle gently.
  2. Add cranberry juice, orange juice, and fresh lime juice.
  3. Stir well and fill the glass with crushed ice.
  4. Slowly add ginger ale, then stir once to distribute the bubbles.
  5. Garnish with an orange wheel, a few floating cranberries, and a fresh mint sprig.

Frozen Mango Passion Fruit Mint Julep Slush

Frozen Mango Passion Fruit Mint Julep Slush

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Bright golden mango and tangy passion fruit turn the traditional mint julep into a refreshing frozen treat. The texture is smooth and icy, with fresh lime and mint keeping the tropical sweetness balanced. Serve this sunny yellow slush in a chilled hurricane glass with a lime wheel and mint bouquet for poolside entertaining.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • ½ cup frozen mango chunks
  • 2 oz passion fruit juice
  • 1 oz chilled coconut water
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • 5 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tsp simple syrup, optional
  • ½ cup crushed ice
  • 1 oz chilled club soda
  • 1 lime wheel and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add frozen mango, passion fruit juice, coconut water, lime juice, mint leaves, and optional simple syrup to a blender.
  2. Add crushed ice and blend until thick and smooth, using short pulses as needed.
  3. Pour the frozen mixture into a chilled hurricane glass.
  4. Slowly add club soda and fold it into the top of the slush with a spoon.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately with a wide straw.

Rose Lemon Mint Julep With Sparkling Pink Grapefruit

Rose Lemon Mint Julep With Sparkling Pink Grapefruit

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Delicate blush-pink grapefruit and a subtle rose aroma create an elegant floral version of the classic julep. Fresh lemon adds brightness, while mint keeps the fragrant ingredients refreshing and balanced. Serve it in a clear stemmed goblet with finely crushed ice, a pink grapefruit slice, and a mint sprig for bridal showers or spring celebrations.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink.

  • 2 oz chilled pink grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 oz chilled club soda
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 tsp simple syrup
  • ⅛ tsp food-grade rose water
  • 1 cup finely crushed ice
  • 1 thin pink grapefruit slice
  • 1 mint sprig for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with simple syrup in a mixing glass.
  2. Add grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and rose water. Stir thoroughly to distribute the floral flavor.
  3. Fine-strain into a chilled stemmed goblet filled with finely crushed ice.
  4. Slowly pour in the club soda and stir once.
  5. Garnish with a thin grapefruit slice and mint sprig. Taste before adding any extra rose water, since its flavor can quickly become overpowering.

Make Every Occasion Refreshing With These Publix Mint Julep Mocktails

A great mint julep mocktail doesn’t need complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Fresh mint, cold mixers, crushed ice, and a little creativity are enough to turn an everyday drink into something worth sharing.

For a flavor closest to the original Publix mint julep mocktail, start with the Classic Lemon Ginger version. It brings together the familiar combination of citrus, ginger ale, sparkling soda, and refreshing mint.

If you love fruit-forward drinks, try the Strawberry Lemon, Southern Peach, Watermelon Lime, or Blackberry Ginger variations. Each offers a different balance of sweetness and tartness while keeping the familiar julep freshness.

For something more sophisticated, the Blueberry Lavender, Honey Grapefruit, and Rose Lemon variations introduce delicate botanical notes. If you’re hosting a fall or winter gathering, Apple Ginger Cinnamon and Cranberry Orange make festive seasonal choices.

When time is limited, choose one of the simple sparkling versions. Most come together in about five minutes once your ingredients are chilled. The frozen mango variation takes a blender, while the matcha and tea recipes need a little advance preparation.

You can also prepare simple syrup and chilled tea ahead of time, making party service much easier. Just wait to add the crushed ice and carbonated mixers until you’re ready to pour.

Whichever recipe you choose, don’t skimp on fresh mint or that beautiful mound of crushed ice. Those small details give every glass its signature julep character.

With these 18 alcohol-free variations, you’ll have plenty of delicious ways to enjoy a refreshing Southern-inspired mocktail throughout the year.