Dreaming Disney - Homemade Mint Juleps

A Treat from the Mint Julep Bar

I did not know.  I did not realize.  I did not even consider that there would be a Disney snack that I would enjoy almost as much as Dole Whip.  It just seemed improbable.

Then I ate at Blue Bayou and had my first mint julep.  And I was thrilled that the Blue Bayou’s serving included refills because it was awesome in a cup! 

So we left the Disneyland Resort and I thought I would have to wait until we returned to Disneyland before I could enjoy this beverage again, I had never had it before so how could I expect to stumble on it in Betweenland?  I was wrong!   At my next birthday I came home to find a pitcher in the fridge.  It has become a birthday tradition over the last few years as the Between Wife mixes up this recipe from www.food.com:

Ingredients

• 1 lb granulated sugar
• 6 cups water
• 1 1/4 ounces lime juice concentrate
• 8 1/2 ounces lemonade concentrate
• 3/4 cup creme de menthe ( syrup available at liquor stores. Do not confuse it with creme de menthe liqueur)

Garnishes

• mint leaves
• lime slices
• maraschino cherries

Directions

1. Combine the sugar and water in a 3 quart saucepan. Stir the contents until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Stir in lime and lemonade concentrate next. Continue stirring and bring to boil just below the boiling point (210 degrees.) DO NOT BOIL!
3. Remove pan from heat and chill. Once chilled, add a ratio of 1 part syrup to 5 parts chilled water.
4. Transfer beverage to pitcher and enjoy!
5. Garnish each serving with mint leaves, lime slice and a maraschino cherry.
6. Sorry, the yield is estimated.

This recipe and others you will find online help you enjoy a little piece of Disneyland in Betweenland.  It is truly fantastic to come home from a long day of work, throw on a Disney travel video and let the stress of the day roll away.  The Between Family will warn you to follow the directions carefully.  The first time we accidentally doubled the lime juice in our first attempt, which lead to experimentation as we dialed in the correct flavor.  And be advised the crème de menthe is likely in your grocery store’s ice cream toppings area. 

Fear not true believers, Disneyland in a cup can be yours to be enjoyed!  What is your favorite park treat that you reproduce at home?