This refreshing Cranberry Julep is a zingy, non-alcoholic Disneyland copycat that brings all the cozy holiday vibes straight to your kitchen. It's bright, fruity, and incredibly easy to mix up for festive gatherings or everyday sipping.
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I love cranberries so much! Recently shared my Cranberry Margarita, Easy Christmas Drink, my Halloween Cauldron Cocktail, Cranberry Relish, and Cranberry Sauce, and was so excited when Disneyland came out with this tasty cranberry drink!
I knew I had to try and recreate it!
Why This Recipe Works
- Non-Alcoholic & Family-Friendly: Cranberry Juleps are perfect for kids, parties, or anyone wanting a festive drink without alcohol.
- Disneyland Copycat: Recreates that nostalgic park flavor using simple, accessible ingredients.
- Perfect Sweet-Tart Balance: Cranberry juice, Creme de Menthe, and Simple Syrup blend together for a refreshing and bold flavor.
Check out these other tasty Disney treats you can make at home: Twice Upon a Cupcake, Peppermint Marshmallow Wand, Candy Cane Beignets, and Hot Chocolate Beignets.
What You Need For Cranberry Julep
- Cranberry Juice: Delivers the tart, fruity base that defines the drink.
- Lemonade: Adds brightness and sweetness while blending seamlessly with the cranberry.
- Mint Leaves: Provide the signature julep refreshment and Disney-style aroma.
- Mint Julep Syrup: Sweetens the drink and adds minty freshness.
- Orange Slices: Rounds out the drink with citrus depth and makes for a nice garnish.
Substitutions
- Lemonade: Swap with limeade for a tangier twist.
- Cranberry Juice: Use cranberry cocktail if you'd like it sweeter.
How to make Cranberry Julep?
This recipe is actually a spin-off of my very popular Disneyland Copycat Mint Julep Recipe.
It is a three-part recipe because you need crème de menthe, simple syrup, and mint julep syrup to make the final delicious Cranberry Julep.
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- Step 1: Make the crème de menthe simple syrup by combining the sugar, water, and peppermint extract, and let it cool completely.
- Step 2: Make the Mint Julep Syrup, by combining sugar, water, lime juice, frozen lemonade, and creme de Menthe syrup, and let it cool completely.
- Step 3: Combine some of the mint julep syrup with cranberry juice, water, and ice. Pour into cups and serve with an orange slice and mint leaves.
- Step 4: Using a slice of orange, swipe the rim of each glass to coat it with juice.
- Step 5: Swirl the rim into the sanding sugar and repeat for all your guests.
- Step 6: Pour the drink and garnish with mint leaves and orange slices.
Expert Tips
- Chill the juices beforehand so the drink stays icy longer.
- For a Disneyland-style look, use crushed ice piled high and add extra mint sprigs.
Carnberry Julep Variations
- Sparkling Julep: Add a splash of sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for fizz.
- Holiday Julep: Mix in a little pomegranate juice or garnish with sugared cranberries.
- Mint-Heavy Version: Muddle mint leaves for a stronger herbal flavor.
- Summer Julep: Serve over crushed ice with fresh berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It's completely alcohol-free and family-friendly.
Yes-mix the juices in advance and add ice and mint garnish right before serving.
Absolutely. Use less Mint Julep Simple Syrup.
Yes! Add sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for bubbles.
Pure cranberry juice gives the strongest tart flavor, while cranberry cocktail will taste sweeter.
I like to store extra crème de menthe in a mason jar and refrigerate it for up to 2 months. Then I can use it for making homemade lemonade, or peach iced tea, or using it for fun cocktails like this Halloween Witches Brew Cocktail!
Yes! However, most of the crème de menthe you buy at the store contains alcohol. So make sure to check before purchasing.
More Related Recipes
If you like this recipe, make sure to check out these other fun Christmas Recipes: Hot Cocoa Beignets, Christmas Wreath Cookies, Christmas Cheesecake, Easy Holiday Cake, Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe, and this easy Gingerbread Man Recipe.
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Video
Cranberry Julep
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
- Combine water and sugar in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil.½ cup water, ½ cup sugar
- Once boiling remove from heat and let cool completely. Then stir in peppermint extract.½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Mint Julep Syrup
- Combine water and sugar in a small sauce pan over medium heat.1 ½ cups sugar, 2 cups water
- Once sugar is dissolved, add lime juice, and lemonade concentrate and bring to a boil.1 cup lime juice, 6 oz frozen lemonade concentrate
- Once boiling remove from heat and add in the Crème de Menthe.¼ c Crème de Menthe Syrup
- Let cool completely.
Cranberry Mint Julep Drink
- Combine 2 cups Mint Julep Syrup, 5 cups water, and 5 cups Cranberry Juice. Chill for ~30 minutes.2 cups Mint Julep Syrup, 5 cups water, 5 cups cranberry juice
- Garnish with orange slices and mint leaves.Orange Slice for garnish, Mint leaves for garnish, Sanding Sugar for sugared rims- optional, Ice
Notes
- *You can buy Crème de Menthe syrup from your grocery store if you don't want to make it. It is found near the alcohol/liquor section. Just make sure to buy a non-alcoholic version for this drink.
- This recipe makes 1 cup of creme de menthe simple syrup, but the Cranberry Mint Julep recipe only needs ¼ cup. Save the extra simple syrup to add to lemonade or make another batch of Mint Juleps!
- For tips on making a sugared rim, see my instructions in the post above.
- All nutrition info is estimated
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