Today is the Kentucky Derby. As my horse-loving friend was preparing for the big race, we were discussing big fancy hats, Mint Juleps, and all things traditionally Derbyish. My 6-year-old was present for the discussion, and asked if I could make him a Mint Julep. I’m not big on giving kids (or myself!) lots of sugar, and I’m definitely not giving them Bourbon, but I did make us all a delicious, refreshing Sparkling Mint Drink using the mint in our garden (the one thing that reliably comes back for us year after year), sparkling water, and a bit of sweetener.

Here’s how I made them:

Refreshing Sparkling Mint Drink Recipe

Fresh mint (or peppermint essential oil; I buy my food-grade essential oils HERE)
Stevia (or maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar), to taste
Sparkling water

Put a little bit of sparkling water in the bottom of your glass. Add mint leaves and sweetener.

Muddle the mint; that is, smash it up to release its flavor, using whatever implement you have on hand. If you have a bartender’s muddler, use that. Otherwise, you can use a pestle, the back of a spoon, the blunt end of several chopsticks held together or whatever else you can find in your kitchen. If you don’t mind drinking little pieces of mint, you can also dice it finely and put it into your drink.

Strain out or remove the mint leaves, if desired (I leave mine in). Add ice, if you’re a ice-in-drinks sort of person (I’m not). Fill the remainder of the glass with sparkling water and give the drink a gentle stir.

Garnish with a sprig of unmuddled fresh mint, if desired, and enjoy.

NOTE: If you want the alcohol, you can easily add a splash of Bourbon to this recipe.