The Kentucky Derby, a national holiday, and the Mint Julep is upon us. In deference to such a momentous event, occurring on the first Saturday each May, schools, stock markets, financial institutions and many others are closed for business as they should be. Amen.
On this hallowed day, the hats come out, the bourbon flows, and for a few glorious hours, everyone becomes an expert on thoroughbreds. It’s a celebration of Southern charm, high fashion, and, of course, cocktails. Whether you’re placing a bet or just enjoying the spectacle, the right drink in hand is non-negotiable.
Mint Julep: History, Tradition, and a Few Surprises
The mint julep has a storied past that stretches back to the late 18th century. As early as 1784, it was recommended in print as a medicinal tonic—proof, perhaps, that people have always looked for good excuses to enjoy a strong drink. It gained popularity beyond the South thanks in part to U.S. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky, who introduced the drink to Washington’s elite during his stays at the Willard Hotel in D.C.
Since 1938, the mint julep has been the official drink of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. Today, over 120,000 are poured during Derby weekend, with many served in collectible commemorative glasses like the ones pictured here.
And if you think juleps are simple, think again. Churchill Downs offers a $1,000 version made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, Irish-grown mint, Bavarian spring water, and Australian sugar. They also once created the world’s largest mint julep—a staggering 206 gallons—served in a custom-made oversized cup. Hopefully, they had more than one volunteer to help finish it.
While Early Times was once the bourbon of choice for juleps at the Derby, today the honor belongs to Woodford Reserve. It’s a refined spirit and an excellent foundation for this timeless Southern cocktail.
Mint Julep
Classic Kentucky Derby Mint Julep with Sugar, Bourbon and Mint
Ingredients
- Leaves from a sprig of spearmint
- 1 heaping teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of clear spring water
- Crushed ice
- 2 and 1/2 ounces of premium Kentucky Bourbon
- sprig of mint – for garnish
Instructions
- Place the leaves from a sprig of spearmint at the bottom of a genuine Kentucky Derby commemorative glass or a tom collins glass
- Add a heaping teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of clear spring water
- Muddle the mint, sugar and water until the sugar is mostly dissolved
- Express another piece of mint by rubbing the interior rim of the glass
- Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice
- Add 2 and 1/2 ounces of premium Kentucky Bourbon
- Gently stir for just a moment
- Top off the glass with more crushed ice, packing and rounding it at the top
- Garnish with a sprig of mint
- Serve it with a straw
And just one more thing…
You don’t have to attend the Derby to enjoy these, but you need to genuflect properly to the bartender that serves you such a fine drink!