Mint Julep Recipe: How to Make the Classic Kentucky Derby Drink

The mint julep predates the Kentucky Derby by nearly a century. The word “julep” derives from the Persian gulāb, meaning rosewater, and variations of the drink appeared in the American South as early as the late 1700s. By the early 1800s, Virginia senator Henry Clay was reportedly introducing the bourbon version of the cocktail to Washington, D.C., while Kentucky farmers were already sipping juleps on warm afternoons.

When the Kentucky Derby began at Churchill Downs in 1875, mint juleps were already a fixture of Southern social gatherings and horse racing events. The cocktail was a natural fit for the spring spectacle in Louisville. However, it was not until 1939 that Churchill Downs officially adopted the mint julep as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, cementing its place in American cocktail history.

Today, the numbers tell the story of the julep’s enduring popularity. Over a typical Derby weekend, Churchill Downs uses roughly 1,000 pounds of fresh mint, 60,000 pounds of crushed ice, and 10,000 bottles of Old Forester bourbon to produce the iconic cocktails served in souvenir glasses that fans collect year after year.

Simple syrup dissolves evenly into cold drinks, making it far superior to granulated sugar for cocktails. Making it takes just a few minutes and the syrup keeps for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Since 2006, Churchill Downs has offered a premium mint julep that costs $1,000 per cocktail. This ultra-luxury version has featured ingredients such as Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition bourbon, ice sourced from high-mountain springs, hand-selected mint from specific farms, and house-made syrups infused with exotic ingredients. The drinks are served in gold-plated or specially-commissioned julep cups that the buyer keeps as a collector’s piece.

The tradition is more than a novelty. Proceeds from sales of the premium julep go to charitable organizations, having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for causes including horse welfare, retired jockey support, and community organizations in Louisville. The cup designs change every year, making them sought-after collectibles.

The bourbon you choose shapes the character of your julep. You want a whiskey that brings warmth and flavor without being so high-proof or complex that it overwhelms the mint and sugar. Here are some well-suited options across different price points:

Serving mint juleps at a watch party for 10 or more guests requires some advance planning. Trying to muddle and build juleps to order while the horses are loading into the starting gate is a recipe for stress, not cocktails.

• 1.Batch your simple syrup in advance. Make it the night before and refrigerate. A mint-infused simple syrup saves a muddling step and delivers consistent flavor in every glass.
• 2.Pre-mix the bourbon and syrup. Combine 1 part simple syrup with 4 parts bourbon in a large pitcher or bottle. Refrigerate until party time. This base mixture can be poured straight over crushed ice in individual cups.
• 3.Prepare more ice than you think you need. Plan for about one pound of crushed ice per guest. Buy bagged crushed ice or crush your own using a Lewis bag the morning of the party. Keep it in a cooler until ready to serve.
• 4.Set up a self-serve julep station. Arrange cups, the pre-mixed bourbon and syrup, a large bowl of crushed ice with a scoop, fresh mint sprigs in a glass of water, and short straws. Guests can build their own juleps while you enjoy the races.
• 5.Offer a non-alcoholic option. Keep sweet tea or ginger ale on hand for guests who want a virgin julep. Set it up alongside the bourbon so everyone can participate.

For a complete party planning guide, including decorations, food pairings, betting pools, and dress code ideas, see our Kentucky Derby Party Planning Guide.