Mint Juleps & Derby Day- A May Tradition

It has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby for almost a century; according to the website of the annual event, nearly 120,000 juleps are sold at Churchill Downs over the two-day race period. Like most recipes that come from the South, mint juleps have a long and often debated history. It is widely believed that the name of the drink comes from the Persian word gulab and the Arab word julab, both of which translate to rosewater. The term julep was also used to refer to any type of syrupy mixed drink taken with medicine. As early as 1784, mint juleps were prescribed to soothe aching stomachs and help patients who had difficulty swallowing. Southerners started each day with a mint julep to protect themselves from mosquitoes and malaria. The drink was so delicious, though, that it became a relaxing beverage, in addition to a medicinal one.

To this day, many enthusiasts insist that a proper julep should be made only with bourbon whiskey. Given that Bourbon County is the birthplace of bourbon whiskey, there is also a strong connection between the mint julep and the state of Kentucky. As early as 1816, silver julep cups were offered as prizes at Kentucky county fairs, early evidence of the states association with the famous cocktail. It iss unclear how exactly the mint julep became the star drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938, but it comes as no surprise that this bourbon-centric cocktail is now celebrated as the beverage of choice at the states most famous event.

Perhaps you’d like to serve some variation on the classic Mint Julep. Try these:

Royal Thai Spice Julep

2 oz. Blade & Bow Bourbon

1 oz. Kaffir Lime Juice

2 basil leaves

10 mint leaves

½ tsp Thai Spice- dash each lemon powder, sea salt, chili powder, ground ginger, mustard seed, clove

1 tsp confectioners’ sugar

Grind spices for 20 seconds in a coffee/spice grinder. Shake all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker & strain over crushed ice in Julep Cup. Top with whole chilis and fresh Mint or Basil & Lime.

Champagne Julep Cocktail

2 oz bourbon

6 mint leaves

1 tsp superfine sugar (or 0.5 oz simple syrup)

4 oz champagne

Garnish: mint sprig

In a julep cup, gently muddle the mint leaves and the sugar or simple syrup (if using sugar, also add a few drops of water to help with dissolution).
Fill cup three-quarters of the way with crushed ice.
Add bourbon and stir very gently.
Add more crushed ice.
Add champagne.
Top the cup with a dome of crushed ice, garnish with a sprig of mint, and serve.

Ginger Mint Julep

2 sprigs of mint

½ oz. simple syrup

¼ oz. lemon juice

2 oz. bourbon

1 oz. ginger liqueur

Sprig of mint and slice of candied ginger for garnish

In a mixing glass, muddle the mint and simple syrup.
Add the remaining ingredients and stir thoroughly, then strain into a julep cup filled with crushed ice.
Stir gently until the cup is frosted, then top with more crushed ice and garnish with the fresh mint and candied ginger.

Whiskey Smash Cocktail

2 oz bourbon

0.5 oz simple syrup

Half a lemon, cut into wedges

5 mint leaves

Mint sprig for garnish

Muddle the lemon, mint, and simple syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, then fill with ice.
Add the bourbon and shake until chilled.
Strain into an Old-Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice (or a single large cube).
Garnish with a sprig of mint, clapped once between your hands to release the aromatic oils.

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown of horse racing. It is historically run on the first Saturday in May. First run in 1875, this 1 1/4 mile—or 10 furlongs—race runs on the dirt track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, where it has been held since its inaugural running in 1875.

Only 3-year-old Thoroughbreds can qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Eligible horses compete in the Race to the Kentucky Derby, a series of 35 races around the world. Horses win points for finishing in the top four spots, and the 20 horses with the most points at the end of the series gain entry into the Derby.

When is the 2021 Kentucky Derby?

The 147th Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 1. Coverage begins on NBCSN, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app at 12 pm and will move from NBCSN to NBC at 2:30 pm Post time for the 2021 Kentucky Derby is set for approximately 6:57 pm.

The other 2 races that make up the triple crown are: