The Mint Julep: 3 Recipes, a $2,500 Gold Plated Cup and its Muddled History

For the last 141 years, the first Saturday in May has been known for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s undoubtedly “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” It’s a two week festival and celebration of horse racing and everything southern. It’s also the time of year to celebrate Kentucky’s and America’s Native Spirit, bourbon.

Bourbon purists will tell you there’s only one way to enjoy a bourbon and that’s neat, in a glass with nothing else. At times, they stretch it out and go neat with ice. For the rest of the world, they like a mixed cocktail. At Derby Time in Kentucky, it’s Mint Julep time. Churchill Downs Derby week typically serves around 120,000 mint juleps. Here are a three recipes that you can make to enjoy on your Derby day or any day.

Oh, and ignore the haters out other and suck it up on Derby Day.

When offered a mint julep, the dreadful signature drink of the Derby, make sure you drink through a straw from the bottom of the glass. That’s where all the powdered sugar is and likely the only way you can make it taste drinkable. – L.A. Times

1. A Coconut Mint Julep: How to Make The Official 2015 Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

2. A sweeter mint julep: How to Make a Raspberry Jam Mint Julep Cocktail

3. A tea inspired julep: How to Make a Earl Grey Mint Julep

The History of the Mint Julep is Well, a Bit Muddled in Prose and Folklore

$1,000 and $2,500 Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Cup Sales to Benefit Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program

 

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