This refreshing Cranberry Julep is a bright, non-alcoholic Disneyland copycat that captures cozy holiday flavors at home. Tart cranberry, cool mint, and a hint of citrus combine for a festive, easy-to-make drink perfect for gatherings or everyday sipping.
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I’m a big fan of cranberries and love recreating festive beverages. I’ve previously shared recipes like Cranberry Margarita, Easy Christmas Drink, and Cranberry Relish, and when Disneyland released its cranberry julep I knew I had to make a copycat version I could enjoy at home.
This recipe is simple to follow and broken into three parts: a non-alcoholic crème de menthe syrup, a mint julep syrup, and the final cranberry julep mixture. The result is a balanced, sweet-tart drink with a refreshing mint aroma.
Why This Recipe Works
- Non-alcoholic & family-friendly: Great for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.
- Disneyland copycat: Recreates the nostalgic park flavor using easy-to-find ingredients.
- Balanced flavor: Cranberry juice, mint elements, and simple syrup deliver sweet, tart, and refreshing notes.
Try other Disney-inspired treats at home for a themed gathering or holiday party.
What You Need For Cranberry Julep
- Cranberry juice: The tart, fruity base of the drink.
- Lemonade (or limeade): Adds brightness and sweetness.
- Mint leaves: Provide the classic julep aroma and freshness.
- Crème de menthe syrup: Adds mint flavor without alcohol when you use the non-alcoholic version.
- Orange slices: Give citrus depth and make a pretty garnish.
Substitutions
- Lemonade: Swap with limeade for a tangier profile.
- Cranberry juice: Use cranberry cocktail if you prefer a sweeter drink.
How to make Cranberry Julep?
This recipe builds on a classic non-alcoholic mint julep approach, adapted so the cranberry flavor shines through. Follow the three components below and combine them for the final drink.
- Step 1: Make the crème de menthe simple syrup. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, let cool, then stir in peppermint extract.
- Step 2: Make the mint julep syrup. In a saucepan dissolve sugar in water, then add lime juice and frozen lemonade concentrate and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the crème de menthe syrup. Let cool completely.
- Step 3: Combine mint julep syrup with water and cranberry juice in a pitcher. Chill for about 30 minutes so flavors meld and the drink is cold.
- Step 4: Swipe an orange slice around the rim of each glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into sanding sugar for a sugared rim if desired.
- Step 5: Fill glasses with ice (crushed ice gives the most authentic look), pour the chilled cranberry julep, and garnish with fresh mint and an orange slice.
- Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy the bright cranberry and mint combination.
Expert Tips
- Chill the juices ahead of time so the drink stays cold longer without diluting quickly.
- For a Disneyland-style presentation, pile crushed ice high and add extra mint sprigs for aroma and visual appeal.
Cranberry Julep Variations
- Sparkling Julep: Top with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish.
- Holiday Julep: Stir in a little pomegranate juice or garnish with sugared cranberries for extra seasonal flair.
- Mint-forward: Muddle fresh mint leaves in the bottom of the glass before adding ice for a stronger herbal flavor.
- Summer version: Serve over crushed ice with fresh berries for a lighter, fruitier drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. When made with non-alcoholic crème de menthe syrup, the drink is completely alcohol-free and family-friendly.
Yes. Mix the juices and syrup ahead, chill, and add ice and garnish right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Yes. Reduce the amount of mint julep syrup or use cranberry cocktail for a sweeter or less tart profile as preferred.
Absolutely. Add sparkling water or lemon-lime soda just before serving for bubbles.
Pure cranberry juice delivers a bold tart flavor; cranberry cocktail will be sweeter and less tart. Choose based on your taste.
Yes—grocery stores sell crème de menthe syrup near cocktail mixers. If using store-bought, check the label to confirm it’s a non-alcoholic version for this recipe.
More Related Recipes
If you enjoy this cranberry julep, explore other holiday recipes and beverages to round out your celebration menu.
- Gingerbread Christmas Tree
- Christmas Tree Cookies
- Christmas Fruit Salad
- Easy Christmas Crack Recipe
If you try this recipe please leave a review and a comment — feedback helps refine flavors and techniques.
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Cranberry Julep
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Ingredients
Non-Alcoholic Crème de Menthe Simple Syrup*
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Mint Julep Syrup
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup lime juice
- 6 oz frozen lemonade concentrate
- ¼ c Crème de Menthe Syrup
Cranberry Mint Julep
- 2 cups Mint Julep Syrup
- 5 cups water
- 5 cups cranberry juice
- Ice
- Orange Slice for garnish
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Sanding Sugar for sugared rims – optional
Instructions
Crème de Menthe Simple Syrup
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Combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
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Once cooled, stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract.
Mint Julep Syrup
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Combine 1 ½ cups sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
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Add 1 cup lime juice and 6 oz frozen lemonade concentrate, bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
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Stir in ¼ cup crème de menthe syrup and let the mixture cool completely.
Cranberry Mint Julep Drink
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Combine 2 cups mint julep syrup, 5 cups water, and 5 cups cranberry juice in a pitcher. Chill for about 30 minutes.
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Serve over ice, garnish with orange slices and mint leaves, and optionally use sanding sugar on the rims.
Notes
- You can buy non-alcoholic crème de menthe syrup if you prefer not to make it; check ingredient labels to ensure it’s alcohol-free.
- This recipe yields extra simple syrup; you can save the remainder refrigerated for lemonade or future mint juleps.
- For a sugared rim, rub the glass with orange and dip in sanding sugar. Use crushed ice for an authentic presentation.
- Nutrition info is an estimate.