If you are a fan of horse races, particularly the Kentucy Derby, you have most likely discovered the mint julep. This delicious cocktail is often spiked with bourbon, muddled with mint and sweetened with simple syrup. It is a delightfully refreshing drink that can improve any day at the track, win or lose.
The mint julep has been promoted by Churchill Downs, the racing complex known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, since 1938, but the origin story is thought to begin sometime during the 18th century in the southern United States. In the 19th century, the cocktail could also be found with gin as a primary ingredient, however, in modern times, the use of a bourbon base has wildly overtaken the use of gin.
This cocktail has grown in popularity due to the two-day experience of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, resulting in roughly 120,000 mint juleps served each year. Since 1999, Woodford Reserve Bourbon has been the first and only official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and graces each mint julep served during the race. As of 2006, you also have the opportunity to purchase an extra-premium custom-made mint julep for $1,000 each, with the proceeds supporting charitable causes for retired racehorses. These mint juleps are presented in gold-plated cups with silver straws, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, mint imported from Ireland, sugar from Australia and spring water ice cubes from the Bavarian Alps.
If you are a fan of horse races, particularly the Kentucy Derby, you have most likely discovered the mint julep. This delicious cocktail is often spiked with bourbon, muddled with mint and sweetened with simple syrup. It is a delightfully refreshing drink that can improve any day at the track, win or lose.
The mint julep has been promoted by Churchill Downs, the racing complex known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, since 1938, but the origin story is thought to begin sometime during the 18th century in the southern United States. In the 19th century, the cocktail could also be found with gin as a primary ingredient, however, in modern times, the use of a bourbon base has wildly overtaken the use of gin.
This cocktail has grown in popularity due to the two-day experience of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, resulting in roughly 120,000 mint juleps served each year. Since 1999, Woodford Reserve Bourbon has been the first and only official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and graces each mint julep served during the race. As of 2006, you also have the opportunity to purchase an extra-premium custom-made mint julep for $1,000 each, with the proceeds supporting charitable causes for retired racehorses. These mint juleps are presented in gold-plated cups with silver straws, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, mint imported from Ireland, sugar from Australia and spring water ice cubes from the Bavarian Alps.
2 ounces Woodford Reserve Bourbon
½ ounce simple syrup
3 mint leaves
Powdered sugar
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass. To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice. Stir gently and garnish with mint leaves and powdered sugar.
Are you interested in keeping with tradition but looking to add something extra? Try one of the following recipes that take the classic mint julep to a whole new level.
5-6 blackberries
½ ounce mint syrup
2 ounces bourbon
½ ounce fresh lime juice
Mint leaves
Lime wheel
Muddle blackberries and mint syrup in a shaker. Add ice, bourbon and lime juice. Shake well and strain into a glass over crushed ice. Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wheel.
Cocktail:
5 mint leaves
¾ ounce honey simple syrup
2 ounces Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey
4 dashes aromatic bitters
Mint sprig
Honey Simple Syrup:
4 ounces water
½ cup honey
For the honey simple syrup: Combine water and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until honey dissolves. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature.
For the cocktail: Muddle mint and honey syrup in stirring glass. Add ice and whiskey and stir well. Strain over fresh crushed ice. Top with bitters and garnish with mint sprig.
6 mint leaves
4 basil leaves
3-5 cubes of watermelon 
2 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 ounce lime juice
Course sea salt
Mint sprig
Watermelon slice
Muddle mint, basil leaves and watermelon cubes in a julep cup. Add bourbon and lime juice and stir to combine. Add crushed ice and sprinkle sea salt on top. Garnish with a mint sprig and watermelon slice. 
2 ounces Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon
¾ ounce simple syrup
8-10 mint leaves
3 mint sprigs
Pack cup with crushed ice. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, syrup and mint leaves. Lightly bruise mint leaves with a muddler, strain contents into julep cup. Garnish with 3 sprigs of mint.
Mint juleps aren’t the only drink sold at the Kentucky Derby, so make sure your at-home bar has all the essentials. Finlandia Vodka is the official vodka sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, while Blue Moon is the official craft beer! Shop all the necessary drinks to bring your at-home race to life below.
