10 Kentucky Derby Party Mocktail Drink Ideas

The Kentucky Derby is all about tradition, elegance, and Southern charm, and no Derby party is complete without signature drinks—even without the alcohol. These 10 refreshing Kentucky Derby mocktails bring classic flavors like mint, citrus, and fresh fruit, making them perfect for sipping while you watch the races in style.

Whether you’re hosting a Derby Day gathering, a springtime soirée, or just looking for festive non-alcoholic drinks, these mocktail recipes are easy to make and full of Southern flair.

1. Classic Mint Julep Mocktail

The Mint Julep is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, and this non-alcoholic version delivers all the refreshing flavors without the bourbon. Crushed ice, fresh mint, and a touch of sweetness make it the ultimate cooling drink for Derby Day. Served in a traditional silver julep cup or a simple glass, this mocktail is simple, elegant, and full of Southern charm.

Quick Recipe:

• ½ cup cold water
• ¼ cup sugar (or simple syrup)
• ½ cup crushed ice
• 8 fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup ginger ale or sparkling water

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in a glass to release the oils.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour in ginger ale or sparkling water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

2. Sparkling Peach Sweet Tea

A Southern classic with a sparkling twist, this Peach Sweet Tea Mocktail is smooth, fruity, and irresistibly refreshing. The boldness of black tea pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of peach puree, while a splash of sparkling water gives it a light, bubbly finish. It’s the perfect non-alcoholic alternative to a classic Southern iced tea, making it ideal for Derby Day gatherings.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 cup brewed black tea, chilled
• ½ cup peach puree (blend fresh peaches)
• 1 tbsp honey or simple syrup
• ½ cup sparkling water
• Ice + peach slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix tea, peach puree, and honey in a glass.
2. Add ice and top with sparkling water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a peach slice.

3. Blackberry Mint Smash

Sweet blackberries and refreshing mint come together in this bright, citrusy mocktail that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Muddled berries release their rich, tangy juices, while lime and honey balance the flavor, creating a drink that’s slightly tart, perfectly sweet, and incredibly refreshing.

Quick Recipe:

• ½ cup fresh blackberries
• 6 mint leaves
• 1 tbsp honey or simple syrup
• ½ cup club soda
• Ice + lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle blackberries, mint, and honey in a glass.
2. Fill with ice and top with club soda.
3. Stir and garnish with a lime slice.

4. Kentucky Lemonade Mocktail

A refreshing twist on classic Southern lemonade, this Kentucky Lemonade Mocktail is zesty, lightly sweet, and ultra-refreshing. Fresh lemon juice, honey, and a touch of ginger create a balanced mix of sweet and tart flavors, while mint adds a cooling contrast.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup honey or simple syrup
• ½ tsp grated ginger
• 2 cups cold water
• Ice + lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix lemon juice, honey, and ginger in a pitcher.
2. Stir in cold water and chill before serving.
3. Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon slice.

5. Pineapple Mint Derby Cooler

A vibrant blend of tropical sweetness and refreshing herbal notes, this Pineapple Mint Derby Cooler is the perfect balance of light, crisp, and cooling. The juicy pineapple adds a natural sweetness, while the fresh mint brings a cooling effect, making this drink an ideal sip for a warm Kentucky Derby day.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 cup pineapple juice – Fresh or 100% juice for the best flavor
• 6 fresh mint leaves, gently muddled
• ½ cup sparkling water – Adds a refreshing fizz
• Ice + a mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Lightly muddle the mint leaves in a glass to release their oils.
2. Fill the glass with ice and pour in pineapple juice.
3. Top with sparkling water for a bubbly, crisp finish.
4. Stir and garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

6. Cucumber Lime Spritz

Cool, crisp, and effervescent, this Cucumber Lime Spritz is a refreshing escape from the heat. Fresh cucumber slices infuse the drink with a spa-like freshness, while zesty lime juice adds a tart brightness. The gentle fizz from sparkling water makes this mocktail feel light, airy, and irresistibly elegant.

Quick Recipe:

• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced – Adds a fresh, hydrating element
• ½ cup fresh lime juice – For a tangy citrus kick
• 1 cup sparkling water – Creates the perfect bubbly finish
• Ice + cucumber ribbons for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with thinly sliced cucumbers and ice.
2. Pour in fresh lime juice for a citrusy zing.
3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
4. Garnish with cucumber ribbons for a sophisticated touch.

7. Cherry Vanilla Derby Fizz

Smooth, nostalgic, and perfectly bubbly, this Cherry Vanilla Derby Fizz is a fun, playful take on a classic soda shop drink. The deep, tart cherry juice pairs beautifully with the warmth of vanilla extract, creating a rich and flavorful base. A splash of sparkling water gives it that signature fizz, making it light and refreshing while still packing a bold, fruity punch.

Quick Recipe:

• ½ cup tart cherry juice – Provides deep, rich fruitiness
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth
• ½ cup sparkling water – Creates a refreshing, fizzy finish
• Ice + a cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix cherry juice and vanilla extract in a glass.
2. Fill with ice and top with sparkling water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a luxury cherry or fresh fruit.

8. Strawberry Basil Smash

Sweet, herbaceous, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this Strawberry Basil Smash is as refreshing as it is sophisticated. The combination of juicy, muddled strawberries and aromatic basil creates a drink that’s bright and balanced with just the right amount of natural sweetness. A splash of club soda makes it light and bubbly, perfect for Derby Day celebrations.

Quick Recipe:

• ½ cup fresh strawberries, muddled – Provides juicy, natural sweetness
• 4 fresh basil leaves, gently muddled – Adds a herbal, slightly peppery contrast
• 1 tbsp honey or simple syrup – Enhances the natural fruit flavors
• ½ cup club soda – Gives the drink its refreshing fizz
• Ice + fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle strawberries, basil, and honey in a glass until juicy and fragrant.
2. Fill the glass with ice and pour in club soda.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a basil sprig for an elegant touch.

9. Spiced Apple Ginger Mocktail

This bold, cozy, yet refreshing mocktail blends spiced apple cider, fresh ginger, and citrus for a drink that’s unexpectedly perfect for Derby Day. The warm apple spice and zesty ginger add complexity, while a splash of sparkling water keeps it light and lively. It’s a great option for guests who prefer a richer, spiced drink over traditional fruit-based mocktails.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 cup apple cider – Provides natural sweetness and depth
• ½ tsp freshly grated ginger – Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick
• ½ cup sparkling water – Brightens up the drink with a bubbly lift
• Ice + cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix apple cider and grated ginger in a glass.
2. Fill with ice and top with sparkling water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a warm, festive touch.

10. Blackberry Sage Spritzer

This herbaceous, fruity, and refreshingly unexpected Derby drink combines fresh blackberries and earthy sage leaves for a mocktail that’s both sophisticated and packed with flavor. The dark, sweet-tart notes of the blackberries blend beautifully with aromatic sage, while sparkling water keeps it light and crisp.

Quick Recipe:

• ½ cup fresh blackberries, muddled – Adds deep, tart fruitiness
• 2 fresh sage leaves, gently muddled – Infuses a warm, herbal note
• ½ cup sparkling water – Brings it all together with light carbonation
• Ice + sage sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle blackberries and sage in a glass until fragrant.
2. Fill with ice and pour in sparkling water.
3. Stir and garnish with a fresh sage sprig.

Perfect Pairings for Kentucky Derby Mocktails

These mocktails are even better when served alongside classic Derby party foods. Here are four perfect food pairings to complement your drinks:

1. Mint Julep Mocktail + Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

A cooling Mint Julep Mocktail pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of a classic Kentucky Hot Brown served in slider form.

2. Blackberry Mint Smash + Bourbon-Glazed Pecans

The sweet and tangy blackberry flavors in this drink contrast beautifully with crunchy, caramelized bourbon-glazed pecans, making it a light yet flavorful pairing.

3. Sparkling Peach Sweet Tea + Fried Green Tomatoes

A crisp, bubbly Peach Sweet Tea balances out the tangy, crispy coating of fried green tomatoes, creating a classic Southern-inspired combination.

4. Cucumber Lime Spritz + Derby Pie

The cool, citrusy notes of a Cucumber Lime Spritz help balance out the rich, chocolatey, and nutty flavors of Derby Pie, making it the perfect refreshing pairing.Sip in Style for Derby Day!

TAKE A SIP

These 10 Kentucky Derby mocktails prove that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a festive, flavorful drink. Whether you prefer classic mint juleps, fruity punches, or herbal-infused sippers, these mocktail recipes will keep your guests refreshed, stylish, and celebrating in true Derby fashion.

So grab a fancy hat, mix up a mocktail, and toast to a day at the races!