LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby is synonymous with horses, hats and Mint Juleps. The Mint Julep is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby and has been served since the 1930s.
Many get their Mint Juleps at Churchill Downs to collect the souvenir glass they are served in. The souvenir cup first started at the track in 1937.
In 1999, Woodford Reserve Bourbon became the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby; it’s also the first year the company began making the commemorative Woodford Reserve collector’s bottle. According to Churchill Downs, every year over 125,000 Mint Juleps are served during the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.
Even if you don’t come to the track for horse racing, fans can still enjoy the official drink at home. There aren’t many ingredients in a Mint Julep so it’s really easy to make.
The Recipe
Woodford Reserve Classic Mint Julep
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Woodford Reserve (or your favorite bourbon)
- 1/2 oz. of Simple Syrup *recipe below
- 3 fresh Mint leaves
- Crushed ice
Preparation:
Muddle the mint leaves in the glass to release the essential oils in the leaves. Add the the simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice. Stir. Garnish with more fresh mint.
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup White Sugar
- 1 cup Water
Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool and use. Store in clean container that seals with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
If you don’t drink and would prefer a mocktail, Churchill Downs suggests using .5 oz of simple syrup, mint leaves and unsweetened tea.
The Oaks Lily
In 2006, Tim Laird was the Chief Entertaining Officer at Brown-Forman and he created what would become the official cocktail of Oaks Day. Laird told the Courier-Journal in 2015, the drink was based on the Cosmopolitan with a pink color that is reminscent of the stargazer lilies draped over the winning filly.
The Recipe
Oaks Lily
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. Sweet and Sour mix
- 1/4 oz. Triple Sec mix
- 3 oz. Cranberry Juice
Preparation:
Fill a glass with crushed ice. Add the ingredients into the glass and stir. Add a straw and garnish with blackberries and a lemon wedge.