Mint Julep cocktail recipe: What’s in the Kentucky Derby’s official drink?

No drink and sport have ever been as intertwined as the mint julep and the Kentucky Derby. Read on for your new go-to mint julep recipe.

The mint julep is a shockingly simple drink that has sunk its roots in one of the most exciting sports events of the year: the Kentucky Derby.

The four main ingredients that make up the mint julep are mint, sugar, crushed ice, and bourbon.

In the last century, the southern sipper has become a staple for Kentucky Derby fixtures, and the drink is arguably as ubiquitous as the horses themselves. Nearly 120,000 mint juleps are served over the two-day event at Churchill Downs.

The mint julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in the 1930s, and around that time the cocktail began being served in julep cups, which were previously awarded as horse racing trophies.

Without any further ado, here’s our classic mint julep recipe.

Classic Mint Julep recipe for all your Kentucky Derby needs

Ingredients:

• 5-6 leaves from mint sprigs
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
• 2 oz. bourbon (Woodford Reserve is recommended)
• One mint sprig for garnish

Instructions: 

In a rocks glass or julep cup, gently muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup. You should lightly bruise the mint rather than abrasively muddle it otherwise the mint will turn bitter.

Add crushed ice and bourbon and stir until the glass frosts.

Top with more ice and serve with a straw and a fresh spring of mint.

Note: If you want to impress your friends, you can smack the mint sprig garnish between your palms before sticking it in the glass. Doing so releases the mint’s oils and provides for a more aromatic drinking experience.

And of course, there are plenty of variations: substitute bourbon for Irish whisky or another liquor, add ginger beer or champagne, add other fruits or herbs when muddling (berries, basil, jalapeno), etc.

Drink responsibly and enjoy!