The Mint Julep: Official Cocktail of the Kentucky Derby

How to Make a Mint Julep

The Mint Julep has reigned as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby for almost a century, symbolizing Southern hospitality and Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. What started as a breakfast tonic, has inspired jockey trophies and souvenir cups, and become an inseparable tradition of the Kentucky Derby and horse racing itself. To recreate this beloved Mint Julep recipe for a Kentucky Derby party at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 6 to 8 sprigs of fresh mint
  • Crushed ice
  • 2 oz. Old Forester Bourbon

Method

Step 1 | Begin by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Allow the mixture to cool and place in a container with six or eight sprigs of fresh spearmint. Cover the container and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2 | Make each Mint Julep one glass at a time. Fill each cup with crushed ice, then add one tablespoon of mint simple syrup and two ounces of Old Forester Bourbon. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Step 3 | Serve each Kentucky Derby Mint Julep in the official Mint Julep glass of the Kentucky Derby with a straw.

What Is a Mint Julep?

A Mint Julep is an alcoholic cocktail made of bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh spearmint served over crushed ice. Its roots stretch back to ancient Persia, where a sweetened rose-water tonic called “gulāb” was used for medicinal purposes. By the 18th century, it reached colonial America, where it was enjoyed by Virginian settlers as a morning tonic of brandy or rum, mint, and sweetened water. In the 1800s, the cocktail migrated westward where Kentuckians adapted the Mint Julep by swapping brandy and rum for local bourbon, transforming it into the popular Southern classic we know today. In the horse racing world, the drink soon became such a popular trackside refresher and fixture at Churchill Downs.

Now approaching nearly a century, the Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs. Each Derby Weekend, more than 125,000 Mint Juleps are enjoyed by fans over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. This is a feat that demands more than 10,000 bottles of Kentucky bourbon, 2,250 pounds of freshly harvested mint, and 475,000 pounds of ice. Today, the Mint Julep is a symbol of Southern hospitality honoring Kentucky’s bourbon heritage and racing tradition. If you want to try an authentic Kentucky Derby Mint Julep, get your tickets to the Derby today.

Choosing Ingredients to Make the Best Mint Julep Recipe

The Mint Julep is a simple cocktail with only a handful of ingredients. With so few components, each Mint Julep ingredient plays an important role in perfecting the drink. Bourbon is the backbone of the Mint Julep, so select premium quality. A well-balanced Kentucky bourbon with notes that complement the freshness of the mint is best. Old Forester Bourbon or Woodford Reserve are recommended for the best tasting julep.

The second most important ingredient, spearmint, gives the cocktail its unmistakable aroma and refreshing taste. Not to be confused with peppermint which is far too harsh, fresh spearmint has a sweet, mild profile that balances the bourbon without any bitterness.

And, while it may seem unimportant, make sure you’re using crushed ice when serving your cocktails at home—not regular ice. Crushed ice is the unsung hero of the Mint Julep. It quickly cools the drink, perfectly dilutes the flavors together, and creates that signature frost on the cup.

Must-Try Mint Julep Variations

If you’re looking for a fun way to switch up the classic Mint Julep, there are several different variations you can try. Each one is a unique twist on the classic combination of bourbon, mint, and simple syrup.

Old Forester Mint Julep

Woodford Reserve Classic Mint Julep

Old Forester Sage Julep

Old Forester Pineapple Julep

Old Forester Peach Julep

Old Forester Chocolate Julep

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before you raise your glass, discover everything you need to know about the Mint Julep. From classic Mint Julep ingredients to the best Mint Julep recipe for Derby Day, our FAQ answers the questions fans search for most.

 

The official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep. Served at Churchill Downs for nearly a century, this iconic bourbon-based drink has become synonymous with the Run for the Roses®.

 

Kentucky Derby Mint Juleps are traditionally made with Old Forester Bourbon, simple syrup, fresh spearmint, and crushed ice.

 

Mint Juleps are included for many guests seated in premium frontside hospitality areas where food and beverage are all inclusive. Guests in the Infield and other non all inclusive sections may purchase Mint Juleps individually at concession stands throughout Churchill Downs. As always, guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages.

 

Mint Julep cups are traditionally silver thanks to history and practicality. Historically, wealthy Southerners enjoyed this drink in fine silver or pewter cups. Over time, this became the preferred way to serve a Mint Julep. Tradition aside, silver cups also have a practical purpose. Metal chills quickly and holds temperature well. Serving Mint Juleps in a silver cup rapidly chills the drink, keeps it cooler longer, and creates that classic frosted cup.

 

The Mint Julep is a simple drink to make, but a few small missteps can leave it tasting bitter or watery. Common mistakes to avoid include:

  • Over-muddling the Mint | Avoid mashing the mint too hard. Over-muddling can tear the mint leaves and cause them to release chlorophyll which makes the drink taste bitter and grassy. Gently press the mint just enough to release the oil in the leaves.
  • Using the Wrong Ice | Crushed ice is non-negotiable when making Mint Juleps. Regular ice cubes just won’t give you the right dilution, and will make the drink taste too minty. Crushed ice will give you the proper texture and dilution.
  • Using Dried Mint | Dried mint is considerably more concentrated and stronger in flavor and shouldn’t be substituted for fresh mint. Dried mint will make your drinks very bitter and pungent. Stick to fresh mint for its sweet and smooth taste.
  • Using the Wrong Proof of Bourbon | An 80 proof bourbon is smooth, but generally too weak, while a 100 proof bourbon will have an intense flavor that can be overpowering. Look for a bourbon with a proof that is mid-80s or around 90 for the best balance.
  • Skipping a Straw | This drink is traditionally served with a straw, which helps you avoid a mouthful of ice. It also pulls the sip from the bottom of the drink so you get a balanced flavor. Pro-tip: place the straw next to the garnish so you catch a fresh mint aroma with every sip.
  • Skipping the Mint Garnish | Adding a sprig to each drink pulls the whole cocktail together. Gently slap each mint spring in the palm of your hands before garnishing. It brings out the essential oils and makes the mint more fragrant and flavorful.

 

It’s best not to make Mint Juleps ahead of time. The only component that can really be prepped in advance is the simple syrup. Making the drink ahead of time will make it watery and flat once the ice starts melting, plus the mint isn’t as fresh. The best way to prep is to make the syrup beforehand, then make each drink fresh right before serving.

 

A Mint Julep is made using bourbon, simple syrup, and mint. While similar, a Mojito is made with white rum, simple syrup, club soda or sparkling water, mint, and lime.

 

While the traditional Kentucky Derby Mint Julep is made with Old Forester, on Derby Day guests can request a Woodford Reserve Mint Julep instead. Made with the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, this alternative is a more indulgent take on the classic, featuring complex notes of vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, chocolate, spice, and citrus.

 

Each year, Woodford Reserve celebrates the Kentucky Derby through the Woodford Reserve $5,000 Mint Julep charity program. This program features commemorative $1,000 Pewter Mint Julep Cup and the $5,000 Silver Mint Julep Cup. Available only in limited quantities, all proceeds of these collector’s edition cups go toward a charitable organization.

2022 Mint Julep

 

Churchill Downs serves 300,000+ Mint Juleps for the Kentucky Derby. This requires approximately 1,000 pounds of Mint or rough 32,000 bunches of mint to produce the drinks.

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