Virgin Mint Julep

Whether it is derby time or not,  I am a sucker for virgin mint juleps.  Fresh and delicious, this julep is great for BBQ's or any outdoor party.  I took a Southern recipe and changed a few of the main ingredients to make it even better.  I hope you make extra, because this is going to go fast.  Enjoy!

Ingredients: 

5 mint springs

1 1/3 cups sugar 

2 cups cold water

3/4 cup lime juice (5 limes juiced)

1/4 cup 100% orange juice

1 1/2 ginger ale 

lime slices for garnish 

ice 

Directions:

Rince the mint and discard stems. Place sugar, water, lime juice, orange juice and mint in a medium bowl. Mix well and allow to stand for 30 minutes. 

Fill a lage pitcher with ice cubes. Mix the mint mixture one more time as the sugar would have sank to the bottom of the bowl. Strain the liquid over the ice. Squeeze the mint leaves over the ice as well, then discard. Add the ginger ale and the lime slices to garnish. If you are doing individual glasses you may also garnish with mint.