See why the Tradition of Drinking Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby is Mint to Be
The word “julep” was traditionally known as a sweet cocktail used for medicinal purposes. Importantly, Henry Clay, U.S. Senator of Kentucky introduced the drink to the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. at their infamous Red Robin Bar. Even today, you can find the Henry Clay Mint Julep on the menu.
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The julep has not only been enjoyed with bourbon, but also with gin. In 1830, New York named the cocktail a “hailstone julep” or a “hailstorm julep” because of its infamous small crushed ice lumps.
>> Did you know that there are now 2 barrels of bourbon for every person in the state of Kentucky?
Since 1938, the Mint Julep has been the staple drink of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Over 120,000 mint juleps are served yearly over a two day period of racing. This many cocktails requires more than 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 1,000 pounds of fresh mint, and over 60,000 pounds of ice!
For over 18 years, Churchill Downs has been in contract with Brown Forman serving Early Times as the official Mint Julep bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. However beginning in 2015, Old Forester, became “the official drink of the Kentucky Derby,” when sold as Old Forester Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail. Undoubtedly, Mint Julep glasses from Churchill Downs are one of the most common derby collectables.
>> Check out this Non-Alcoholic Version of a Mint Julep Cocktail!
Additionally, since 2006, Churchill Downs has served their custom $1000 Mint Julep as a premium cocktail (recipe changes yearly.) Proceeds of the exclusive cocktail go to charitable causes dedicated to retired horses. Not only is the cocktail served in a gold plated cup, but it is made with premium Woodford Reserve bourbon.
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2022 Kentucky Derby $1000 Mint Julep Recipe:
- 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 2 tsp. honey syrup (½ part Honey from Versailles, France and ½ part water)
- 1 lemon peel
- 1 orange peel
- 2 fresh pomegranate arils, plus more for garnish
- 1 bunch fresh lemon Mint sprigs, garnish
In 2008, Churchill downs released the world’s largest mint julep glass in collaboration with Brown Forman. The 6 foot tall glass was commissioned by the Weber Group and constructed of FDA food grade acrylic, and molded into the shape of an official Kentucky Derby glass.
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Fun Fact:
it is believed that Churchill Downs planted mint outside their clubhouse for the first Kentucky Derby juleps served in 1875. Juleps were a big part of the event before prohibition. During the time when alcoholic beverages were not allowed at the track, the press named it as a the “Kentucky Derby without it’s favorite drink.”
Over the years, the mint julep recipe has transformed into several variations. Bartenders, restaurants and distilleries have added fun ways to keep the drink unique and interesting. For instance, Jim Beam has a Jim Beam Honey Julep variation.
