Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Recipe & 2 Variations Mon, Sep 25, 23 | recipes Kentucky Derby® Mint Julep Recipe with Variations This year’s running of the 151st Kentucky Derby® returns to the first Saturday in May — May 3rd. Even if you’re not attending the Kentucky Derby in person, you can still celebrate from home. Grab your Derby hat, tune up “My Old Kentucky Home,” and mix yourself the drink of the Kentucky Derby — the Mint Julep. At Churchill Downs, juleps can cost upwards of $2,500. But you can make this iconic bourbon cocktail for a fraction of the price with ingredients from Cox’s Spirit Shoppe. Shop Mint Julep Ingredients Now The Classic Kentucky Derby® Mint Julep To make a proper Mint Julep, you'll need: 8–10 fresh mint leaves 1 oz simple syrup 2 oz bourbon (Woodford Reserve® is the official brand) Splash of water Plenty of crushed ice A mint sprig for garnish A silver julep cup or rocks glass How to Make Simple Syrup Make this in advance so it’s cool when ready: Combine 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water in a saucepan Bring to a boil, stirring to prevent burning Let cool and store for use How to Mix Your Mint Julep Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of your glass. Fill with crushed ice (or ice cubes, if needed). Add bourbon and a splash of water. Stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig, and serve chilled. Whether you're using a julep cup or a classic rocks glass, this cocktail is all about refreshing flavor and timeless tradition. The History Behind the Drink of the Kentucky Derby Kentucky has long embraced the Mint Julep. Even before Churchill Downs opened in 1875, julep cups were given out as game prizes at local fairs. In 1938, the Mint Julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, but local legend claims mint was planted at the track by founder Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. decades earlier — perhaps foreshadowing its iconic status. Try These Mint Julep Variations for Derby Weekend Looking for a new twist on this traditional bourbon cocktail? These variations add fresh fruit and citrus for extra flair. Blackberry Lemon Mint Julep Combine 1 cup sugar + 1 cup blackberries. Let sit for 1 hour, strain, and chill. Add 2 tbsp syrup, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 6 mint leaves to a glass. Muddle lightly. Add 2 oz bourbon and crushed ice. Stir well. Garnish with blackberries, lemon peel, and a mint sprig. Blood Orange Mint Julep Make simple syrup with blood orange zest for added flavor. Muddle 6–8 mint leaves and 2 orange slices in your cup. Add 2 oz bourbon, a splash of orange bitters, and fill with ice. Stir and garnish with mint and a thin orange slice. Get Ready for Derby Weekend with Cox’s Whether you stick to the classic or try something new, the Mint Julep is a must for Derby weekend. Cox’s Spirit Shoppe offers premium bourbon, mixers, and everything else you need to craft a mint julep worthy of the starting gate. Shop Spirits at Cox’s Louisville By digitalteam@high10digital.com
